(Vatican Radio) It has been confirmed by the Director of the Holy See Press Office
that parishioners of Roman parishes will soon be attending Mass with Pope Francis
in the Casa Santa Marta. Responding to Italian press reports over Christmas, Fr. Federico
Lombardi, SJ, said beginning in January the Cardinal Vicar of Rome will be informing
pastors how to apply to attend the Pope’s daily Mass with a group from their parish
- probably about 25 people. In 2013, groups of Vatican employees usually attended
the Papal Mass. Father Lombardi said the initiative will allow the people of Rome
to interact with their bishop, since the Pope is not able to visit every parish in
the diocese.