Every day hundreds of requests to personally meet Pope Francis arrive at the Vatican. However, as head of state and leader of one of the most numerous religions, the pope has one of the most intense jobs in the world. Therefore, he is also a man who must manage his time well.
If one wants to request a meeting with him, before doing so it is useful to know what kind of meetings there are.
FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS
These meetings are reserved for heads of state or government leaders and last about 30 minutes. They conclude with a brief moment with the visitor's family and collaborators.
He also meets privately with each new ambassador to the Vatican and periodically with each superior of the Vatican Curia. Some bishops and nuncios from delicate areas also can meet with him, along with many religious leaders.
GROUP MEETINGS
In his library, he meets with the groups of bishops from different countries who come to the Vatican every five years to inform the pope of their specific problems.
In addition, he usually meets with delegations from other religions or in the so-called 'Tronetto Hall,' right next to his office.
INSTITUTIONAL ENCOUNTERS
In the Vatican's Apostolic Palace there are two rooms reserved for more crowded institutional meetings.
The 'Consistory Hall' is where the pope meets with different religious orders.
In the 'Clementine Hall,' he meets with representatives of civil society: from associations, to groups of politicians or even football teams.
ENCOUNTERS WITH PILGRIMS
The pope especially enjoys these meetings with pilgrims. Most are held in the Paul VI Audience Hall, because there is more space and it is designed to facilitate contact with people.
There he meets with religious movements, groups from several countries, or with participants from important congresses.
In addition, the General Audiences, involving tens of thousands of people, are in St. Peter's Square. They start with Pope Francis greeting everyone from the popemobile in St. Peter's Square. There is no time to personally speak to the pope, but it is the best option to see him up close for those who are not heads of state.
