Early arrival and papal audience

I don't know about storing your luggage but you're really going to be pushing it to get to St. Peter's Square in time. Also, you have to pick up your tickets before getting in. When I went to the Papal Audience last fall I picked up my tickets the day before (Tuesday afternoon) and was at the Square by 8:30; my seat was ok but next time I will be there by 8.
Something I didn't know; if you keep your ticket and there is a mass inside St. Peter's the same day you can get in and attend mass. I luckily stumbled upon another American using their ticket to get in.

I agree with Terry, I don't see you making it the Vatican for 10:30 if your flight lands at 8:10.

I have since learned that our hotel provides transport from the airport to their hotel. So here's my question...how long does it take to get thru customs? and does anyone know the route most hotel shuttles take from Fuimicino to the Spagna area. Kinda thinking maybe the shuttle can drop us nearby the Vatican and just take our luggage back with them? Is this a good idea? Thx :)

Customs is a breeze, you'll walk right through. The problem is passport control and baggage claim. If several flights land at the same time as yours you could wait in line for passport control. I've had only a handful of people in front of me and I have waited up 25 minutes. Baggage claim is the same way. It's Italy, if you try to schedule things down to the minute you'll go crazy.

Pat:
Since you cannot change the Papal audience, you need to stack the deck in your favor. If you carry on all your luggage it should be a breeze going thru passport control. So pack light and carry on! If your seats are more to the front of the plane, so much the better. Saves a few minutes. Have you looked at online seating charts to try and get yourselves closer to the front? Maybe worth paying for "premium seating" in the forward section of coach so you can make a quicker get away. Call your hotel and explain the situaton to see if they'll drop you at the Vatican and secure your luggage. It's a good idea. You are lucky to have a hotel with a shuttle! Lastly, pray for an on time arrival! Good luck!

Hey thanks for all the advice. We are traveling light, backpack and 21" roller bags, so no baggage claim!!
Our seats are row 19, so thats pretty good considering there are 43 rows. I will contact my hotel and see if we can be dropped off. I already made arrangements to have our tickets at the back of the church, not at the office. (marked late arrival) So we just might make it!! :)) Thanks for your help.

As they say in Italy in bocca al lupo! (Good luck!)