Pope holds “virtual audience” ahead of US trip

Pope holds “virtual audience” ahead of US trip

(Vatican Radio) On Monday evening, Pope Francis held a “virtual audience” in several cities across the United States as part of the lead-up to his visit later this month.

During the interactive event, those taking part were able to share their stories and ask the Holy Father questions.

In one instance, the Pope asked a teenage girl, who had been a victim of bullying, to sing for him.

Speaking from the Vatican, and alternating between English and Spanish, Pope Francis addressed those taking part at various locations across the US. These included students at the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, faithful at a Texas Church near the Mexican border, as well as homeless people and those who work to assist them in Los Angeles.

The event was hosted by ABC News and moderated by network’s "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir.

The entire virtual audience is scheduled to air in a one-hour special edition of ABC News’ "20/20" on Friday, Sept. 4, and will be posted in its entirety in both English and Spanish on the ABCNews.com website.

Pope Francis visit the United States for the first time from September 22-27. The papal visit will include the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra in Washington, D.C., a meeting with the United Nations in New York, and the participation in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

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