Pope Francis at prayer vigil ahead of Synod on the Family

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis is presiding over a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square,  ahead of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, which is set to begin on Sunday morning in the Vatican.

The outdoor vigil on Saturday evening  has drawn tens of thousands of faithful, many of whom have been present in the Square since the afternoon for a pre-vigil programme.

The pre-vigil event included the testimonies of married and engaged couples, Scripture readings, prayer, singing and reflections on the family, written by Pope Francis and by his predecessors.

The Synod of Bishops itself begins on Sunday, October 4, with an opening Mass presided over by Pope Francis. It follows on from last year's Extraordinary Synod and is scheduled to end on October 25th.

It will involve 279 bishops from more than 120 nations, as well as 17 married couples and 17 auditors, and other non-voting representatives.