Pope to hold extra General Audiences during Year of Mercy

The month of August promises to be a busy one for Pope Francis who is scheduled to be involved in a series of public events.

Archbishop George Gaenswein, Prefect of the Pontifical Household, told Vatican Radio that the Pope will meet publically with the faithful in numerous occasions during the summer month and that preparations are underway to organize an extra General Audience each month (possibly on a Saturday) during the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Mgr Gaenswein said that next Tuesday afternoon, 4 August, Pope Francis will meet with some 12,000 German speaking participants of the International Pilgrimage of Altar Servers.

On Wednesday, 5 August, the Pope will resume his weekly General Audiences which see the participation of thousands of pilgrims from across the world. Archbishop Gaenswein pointed out that the General Audience on August 26 will mark the 100th such occasion for Pope Francis. Due to the heat, the August General Audiences will take place inside the Paul VIth Hall.

On Friday, the Pope will receive in audience members of the Eucharistic Youth Movement.

Archbishop Gaenswein also revealed that since the beginning of Pope Francis' Pontificate in March 2013, fifteen million people have been present for his General Audiences, Angelus' and special audiences in the Vatican.

Source: Vatican Radio