What is a typical day for the pope?

Answer 1

Pope Benedict XVI wakes up around 5 am and begins his day as all priests do by praying Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Then he washes and dresses and goes to his private chapel to celebrate Mass.

After Mass, he eats breakfast with the priests who assist him and at times there are other visitors. Then he holds audiences with bishops, heads of state and others. He may also pray the Office of Readings and other hours from the Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day.

On Wednesday mornings, a general public audience is held in St. Peter's Square.

After lunch, he takes a brief siesta as is the Italian custom. The rest of the day is filled with writing documents and sermons.

After dinner he prays Evening Prayer (vespers) from the Liturgy of the Hours.

He usually takes some time in the evening to watch the news on television, although that is usually the extent of his TV viewing.

Then, there is usually more writing and reading. He usually tries to schedule in some time to play the piano before praying Night Prayer (Compline) from the Liturgy of the Hours. He also prays the rosary daily. He usually goes to bed around 10 pm.

Answer 2

The following appeared in the Catholic Herald in May 1947. The current popes have not changed their schedule much since then:

THE TIME - TABLE OF THE POPE'S DAILY ROUTINE This is the time-table of the Pope's Day, abbreviated from the American news magazine, Time, May 5.

The Pope rises at 6.30 every morning, throws open his bedroom window which looks out from the third floor of the Vatican Palace on to St. Peter's Square. He crosses his hands and offers his first short morning prayer. Then, timing himself with a small gold Swiss alarm clock, he does his morning exercise. When younger, he used a rowing machine; now he limits himself, for 15 minutes, to knee bendings and arm flexings. At 6.45 the Pope draws his own bath of cold water. He uses an electric razor to shave. He changes his garments daily; his indoor shoes are red-except on Good Friday, when they are-white.

At 7.10 he enters his private chapel to celebrate his Mass. He speaks to no one until Mass is finished. He prepares by praying for 20 minutes; Mass finishes at 8.10; his Thanksgiving takes a further 20 minutes. The Pope eats breakfast at 8.30, coffee with milk and toast; he stopped eating butter when war broke out. He remains in his private diningroom, running rapidly through the morning papers until 8.50, when he goes to his office. At exactly one minute to nine, he presses a bell on his desk and at nine precisely the first Cardinal, after kneeling to kiss the Papal Ring, is being received in audience.

There are four types of audiences: Tabular (so-called from the Taballa, a programme published each ecclesiastical year) for Cardinals and high Vatican officials; these last from 9 to 11.15; Private, for Diplomats, etc. (11.15-12.15); Special, for other persons (12.15-12.45); Public, for pilgrims and others (12.45-1.30).

The Pope eats lunch alone; following a tradition, he has not eaten a meal with anyone since his elevation. He drinks one glass of red or white wine; he likes spaghetti, white meat, rice soup and vegetables. His little gold alarm clock reminds him when he should return to work. After lunch he drinks a cup of strong black coffee and rests for one hour.

At four he takes his car and drives to the Vatican Gardens, where he walks reading a book or going through his papers.

Shortly before five, he returns to his private chambers, goes directly to his chapel, where he says the Rosary and reads his Breviary.

At six o'clock he enters his study So commence his " day's work." He examines all the ecclesiastical and political issues raised by the Cardinals in their morning audiences. At eight he dines, eating a lighter meal than lunch, and before nine returns to his chapel for 20 minutes' prayer.

After nine he recommences work, going through the Cardinals' reports. Then he takes notes for his speeches which he writes himself - using a white typewriter. He seldom uses a pen, never a fountain pen. About 1.30 a.m., sometimes as late as 2 a.m. he leaves his desk and returns to his chapel. where he finishes the reading of his Breviary.

His bed is large and plain. with a black iron head and brass knobs. Several of his predecessors used it; Pope Pius XI died in it. Pope Pius XII sleeps in it for four hours; then his day starts again.

Answer 3

I actually only have 3 hours. So here goes.

5:30 A.M. Rise from bed. Was feet with cold water. Pluck eyebrows. Tie hair in net and put on skirt and hat.

6:30 A.M. Eat breakfast (bread,cheese and weak cider).