Skip to content

More than 3 million people attended Vatican audiences and ceremonies in 2025

Aerial view of St. Peter’s Square filled with thousands of mourners including clergy and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under a clear blue sky on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

During the year 2025, the participation of the faithful in audiences and liturgical celebrations at the Vatican reached a total of 3,176,620 people.

The Vatican released on Dec. 30 the attendance figures for liturgical celebrations in 2025, a year marked by the Jubilee of Hope, the death of Pope Francis, and the election in May of Pope Leo XIV.

Under the pontificate of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, a total attendance of 262,820 faithful was recorded. The largest crowds were at the Angelus, with 130,000 people, followed by the liturgical celebrations, which drew 62,000 faithful.

The general and jubilee audiences were attended by 60,500 people, while the total for special audiences was 10,320. The months with the highest attendance were January and February, especially for the Angelus and liturgical celebrations.

Pope Francis did not preside over any ceremonies or hold any meetings or audiences during the month of March due to his extended stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

For Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, which began on May 8, a total of 2,913,800 faithful attended various events. General and jubilee audiences had the greatest participation, drawing 1,069,000 people, followed by the Angelus, with 900,000 in attendance, and liturgical celebrations, which drew 796,500 faithful.

Special audiences brought together 148,300 people. The months with the highest attendance were September, October, and December, with October standing out for the large number of attendees at general audiences.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Honoring the ‘saints next door’: Pope Francis calls for annual celebration of local holy men and women

Pope Francis wants dioceses worldwide to shine a spotlight on their “saints next door” every year on Nov. 9.

Woman born of surrogacy shares why she supports Pope Francis’ call for a global ban

Don't miss this eye-opening article shedding light on the untold stories behind surrogacy. Olivia Maurel, born via surrogacy, shares her traumatic experiences and joins the call for its abolition, echoing Pope Francis' stance.

‘Charity doesn’t go on vacation’: Pope Leo XIV sends food to families in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV once again expressed his closeness to the people of Ukraine by sending packages of food destined to families who have suffered from the Russian army’s recent onslaught of attacks.

PHOTOS: Nighttime eucharistic adoration in St. Peter’s Square

The Vatican held its first monthly eucharistic adoration in the area in front of St. Peter’s Basilica on

Pope Francis asks for prayers for Ukrainian children this Christmas

Pope Francis asked to think this Christmas of the children of Ukraine who suffer and who bear the

Pope Francis in Venice

Pope Francis, on his visit to Venice, emphasizes the power of faith as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Biennale art exhibition. His message of inclusion and care resonates with pilgrims and shares moments in the Venice Women's Prison.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com