Pope Francis Holds a Virtual Audience with American People in a Historic Global Event Moderated by ABC's David Muir from the Vatican

On Monday, August 31, Pope Francis held the first-ever televised virtual audience with Americans, a historic event moderated by "World News Tonight" Anchor David Muir from the Vatican. In the first-of-its-kind global gathering, which will be part of an ABC News special on Friday, September 4, Pope Francis heard the stories of the people while delivering his message to hundreds in Chicago, Los Angeles, and McAllen, Texas simultaneously from the Vatican via satellite.

"Pope Francis and the People," a one-hour primetime special edition of "20/20," airs on the ABC Television Network on Friday, September 4 at 10 p.m., ET.  Muir will anchor a special edition of "World News Tonight" from the Vatican on Monday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m., ET.

During the interactive virtual audience, the Pope spoke with students at the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, individuals from homeless shelters near Skid Row in Los Angeles, and immigrants at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church near the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen.  It was an opportunity for the Pope to connect in a new way with people in places he wanted to visit, but is unable to during his highly anticipated trip to the United States. ABC News' broadcast will air 18 days before Pope Francis' first visit to the U.S.

ABC News "World News Tonight" Weekend Anchors Cecilia Vega and Tom Llamas and Fusion Anchor Mariana Atencio will report on the ground in each city.

All ABC News programs will report on the special event this week. ABC News Digital will air the original taping with the Pope in English and Spanish after the special airs on Friday, September 4. ABC News Radio and ABC NewsOne will provide special programming of the special broadcast to radio stations and affiliates.