General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesday at 11 am) in the Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the Hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI). In the summer they are held in St. Peter's Square or at the Pope's summer residence in the town of Castel Gandolfo. It is necessary to send a request to the Prefettura della Casa Ponteficia, located on the north side of Piazza San Pietro (open 9 am-1 pm, Monday and Tuesday) to be admitted to a Papal Audience.

Reservations must be confirmed in order for you to attend. Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For the audience (and to visit St. Peter's Basilica), women should dress modestly, in dark or subdued colors, with arms and head covered. Men are asked to wear a tie and dark jacket.

The pope also makes appearances at noon on Sundays in the library window to bless the crowd in St. Peter's Square.