More than three million faithful gathered in the Vatican throughout 2025 to pray, celebrate the sacraments, and encounter the Successor of Peter, reflecting a year of renewed momentum in the life of the Church.
According to data released by the Prefecture of the Papal Household and reported by Vatican News, a total of 3,176,620 people were present for papal audiences, liturgical celebrations, and public prayers in Vatican City during the year.
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The early months of 2025 saw more limited public gatherings due to Pope Francis’ declining health. Between January and April, 262,820 faithful participated in Vatican events, including General and Jubilee Audiences, special audiences, Masses, and the Sunday recitation of the Angelus, according to the figures. During that period, 130,000 people attended the Angelus alone, while tens of thousands more gathered for papal audiences and liturgies.
A dramatic increase followed the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8. Since the beginning of his pontificate, 2,913,800 visitors have been recorded at Vatican events. The Prefecture of the Papal Household reported that more than one million faithful attended General and Jubilee Audiences during this time, with an additional 148,300 participating in special audiences with the Pope.
Liturgical celebrations under Pope Leo XIV also drew large crowds. According to the data, 796,500 people attended Masses and other liturgical rites, while approximately 900,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus with the Holy Father. Vatican News noted that participation in the Marian prayer reached its highest level in December, when 250,000 people joined the Pope for the Angelus.
October emerged as the most significant month for Vatican attendance. Nearly 200,000 faithful took part in liturgical celebrations, while about 295,000 attended General and Jubilee Audiences, marking the peak of public participation for the year.
The figures point to a renewed desire among Catholics from around the world to gather physically around the Chair of Peter, especially in the wake of a new pontificate. As reported by Vatican News, the steady rise in attendance reflects not only the global reach of the papacy but also a profound hunger among the faithful for prayer, unity, and visible communion with the universal Church.
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