When and how to see the Pope while in Rome
Rome is not only a fantastic city for art, food and entertainment: it’s also a place of pilgrimage for many who come here to visit the tombs of the Saints Peter and Paul and of many Christian martyrs and saints. Furthermore, it’s home to the Pope, bishop of Rome, who resides in the City State of the Vatican. Many, both Catholic and not, ask how and when it is possible to see the Pope while they visit Rome. It may surprise you, but it’s actually easier than it might seem!
When?
The Pope has two weekly appointments where he speaks in public: the general audiences he holds every Wednesday morning and the Angelus prayer (or the Regina Coeli during Easter time) on Sundays.
General Audiences are held at Saint Peter’s square, except when it’s very cold or raining – in those cases they move it to the Paul VI Audience Hall, just besides the colonnata by the Holy Office Door. Every Wednesday those who would participate in it gather early in the morning and listen a Scriptural text which is translated in several languages, after which the Pope makes a brief reflection or catechesis, which is also then summarized and translated for everyone to understand. Afterwards, the Pope greets the different groups that are taking part in the audience and blesses everyone before returning to his other appointments for the day.
How I can assist?
Anybody can go to the audiences, but if you want to get a seating, you’ll need a ticket. The best way to get them is via the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the office in charge of all the celebrations the Pope presides in the Vatican. You can find all the pertaining information on how to reserve tickets on its website, here. An important tip (you’ll thank us for this!): bear in mind that it’s a whole morning you’ll be spending outdoors and rather static, with no roof over your head. Therefore, don’t forget to bring warm clothes in the winter or water, hats, and an umbrella during the warmer months. Get as early as you can to the square (even as much as two or three hours in advance), as the place gets packed really fast.
The Pope guides the Angelus prayer (an ancient devotion to the Virgin Mary) from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace just besides Saint Peter’s Square. No need for tickets here (no seats either). It’s a short prayer and a short meditation on that Sunday’s mass readings followed by some brief greetings. Even though the Pope is far from the square, huge jumbo screens allow to see and hear him with no problems from the square. It’s only a few minutes long. Once again, it is recommended to arrive a little bit early (about an hour or slightly less than that).
There are other celebrations the Pope presides over, whether at Saint Peter’s or in other places in the city. It’s wise to check the schedule for these events on the Vatican website, and you can usually reserve tickets via the Prefecture. Remember that these tickets are always free, so if anybody tries to sell you some… they are trying to scam you!
As you can see, it’s not that difficult to see the Pope, but it takes a little planning, as with every trip that you want to fully enjoy. Let us help you find the best tours, tailored to your needs and expectation. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
