Papal Audience Tickets & Tours

Receive a blessing from Pope Francis with Papal Audience tickets and tours! Feel the growing excitement of attendees in Piazza San Pietro as they search for their first glimpses of His Holiness. For many travelers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the leader of the Christian world. Make the most of the Vatican City with the Papal audience ceremony and listen to what’s on the Pope’s mind as you observe the assorted reactions of the crowd.
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Our tips for Papal Audience

  • Early bird. Try to arrive at Piazza San Pietro 30 minutes early at the minimum. This will increase your chances of finding a bench, so you aren’t standing the whole time.
  • Stay hydrated. Vatican City is hot and you’re going to be there for a while. Bring water.
  • Access denied. Even the piazza has a dress code. Keep your shoulders and knees covered or the guards may turn you away at the gate for the Papal audience tour.
  • Check out St. Peter’s Basilica. If you are more interested in Saint Peter’s Basilica, try to stand as close as you can to the front doors while the Pope speaks. St. Peter’s is closed in preparation for the Papal Audience, and it opens back up when the audience is over. This is a good time to get in and see the basilica with fewer people in it.

Good to know

While it is nothing less than extraordinary to watch the Pope joining the weekly gathering and giving out his blessings, for the denizens of Rome, it’s simply Wednesday. A Papal Audience ticket provides not only a personal, spiritual experience; but, also some of the best people-watching in all of Europe!

As you partake in the celebratory atmosphere in the Vatican City, don’t forget to check out other remarkable attractions like Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter’s Square is where the Pope stands so that he is at level with the saints that are at the top of the piazza’s colonnade. Piazza San Pietro acts as a gigantic sundial and calendar, with the obelisk at the center acting as the sundial’s gnomon.

According to the terms of the Lateran Treaty, Piazza San Pietro is under the authority of the Italian Police for crowd control purposes, despite the fact that it lies within Vatican City. Pope Francis is the first pontiff since Pope Lando (913-914 A.D.) to choose an original name. The name will be changed to Pope Francis I if any future pope chooses the same name. A pope has a 30% chance, or less, of becoming a saint. Eighty-one out of 265 popes have earned the honor; although, most of them were fast-tracked for having been martyred during the early church in Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the best time to book the Vatican Papal Audience tour?
    A:

    Consider purchasing a Papal Audience ticket for late spring or early fall for pleasant weather. During the winter, Papal Audiences are often held inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. With far less capacity, tickets are scarce and there is a higher chance that you’ll leave Rome disappointed.

  • Q: How do I get there?
    A:

    You can get to Piazza San Pietro by metro. Then walk south on Via Ottaviano towards the piazza. However, a local will tell you that the regional rail service is the best way to go. Take Line FL3 to the Viterbo-Roma stop. There are also many bus lines with stops near Saint Peter’s. Try taking line 40 to the Traspontina/Conciliazone stop or line 64 to the Cavalleggeri/San Pietro stop.

  • Q: Do I need a passport to enter Vatican City?
    A:

    You can enter the Vatican if you have a visa to enter Italy.

  • Q: Is there any dress code to enter Vatican City?
    A:

    Vatican City follows a strict dress code for both men, women and children. Make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered.

  • Q: How can I enter the Vatican for free?
    A:

    You can visit the Vatican Museum for free on the last Sunday of every month between 9 am and 12:30 pm while St Peter's Basilica is free to visit on all days.

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