A meeting with Pope Francis in person is the dream of all those who visit the splendid city of Rome. Pilgrims, tourists and worshippers from all the world crowd Vatican City to take part to
the celebrations held by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, one of the most charismatic figures of our time.
Are you staying in Rome for a short weekend or a special holiday? Follow our tips to catch the opportunity to participate to one of these events and to make your visit unforgettable!
Get charmed by the beauty of this town, of St. Peter's Basilica, of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, of the incredible St. Peter's Square and book one of our properties.
The possibilities to meet the Pope are many: you can either participate to Sunday morning's Angelus, to a Mass in Santa Marta Church or to Wednesday morning's Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square or Paul VI Hall.
The Angelus is an apostholic benediction pronounced by the Pope every Sunday morning at the end of 12am celebration. It's an informal event with free participation where you do not need to buy tickets, but it is recommended to arrive early to find a spot near the window the Pope will look out from. The Mass lasts 60/90 minutes and it takes place in various languages.
The Papal Audience is held every Wednesday morning at 10:30am in St. Peter's Square or in Paul VI Audience Hall, if the weather is not good. The Pope meets the worshippers and gets close to them on board of his popemobile, allowing some lucky children to get on it for his blessing. It is a special and touching event where it is necessary to get a ticket in advance following one of the expected procedures.
If you wish to reserve a ticket in advance or you are a group of more than 10 people, you need to contact the "Prefecture of the Papal Household" sending an e-mail or a fax to the number +39 06 698 858 63 (specifying the audience you want to take part to and the number of people on the specific form), calling +39 06 698 848 76, +39 06 698 831 14 or +39 06 698 832 73 from 9am to 1pm, or demanding tickets using the ordinary postal service writing to "Prefettura della Casa Pontificia, 00120 Città del Vaticano".
Small groups can also go to St. Peter's Square the day before the audience to ask for a ticket to the Swiss Guards in front of the Bronze Doors. This service is at your disposal from 3pm to 7pm in summer and from 3pm to 6pm in winter, but the tickets' availability is not guaranteed.
Another procedure is reserved to American citizens, who can contact the "US Bishops’ Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican” via e-mail.
It is recommended to get to audiences early enough: doors open at 8/8:30am, but we suggest getting in line at 6:30/7am to get a chair near the maxi-screens that will allow you to see the Pope. Pay attention to your dress-code: if you are not dressed appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered, your entrance will be denied.
Another occasion to meet Pope Francis is participating to a Mass in Santa Marta Church held every morning from Monday to Saturday. However, there are only 25 available seats for visitors so waiting times are very long. To book a ticket you have to send a written request using the ordinary postal service to "Segreteria di Sua Santità Francesco, Casa Santa Marta, 00120 Città del Vaticano".
Do not forget to check the calendar to discover other forthcoming events in town! This special experience will certainly make your holiday in Rome extraordinary.
