I read that the best way to see and be in an audience with the Pope is on Wednesdays in St Peter’s square and that tickets are required, but free. However, I see that City Wonders runs a tour for this as well that costs about $48 and they arrange to get the tickets, know where the best seating is and give narration and info thru headsets. Plus it sounds like they get there early since the tour duration is listed as 4 hrs. Has anyone used the tour feature and is it worth it ? I feel this is an important part of our trip to Rome to see the Pope and not to be missed !
Posted by
24 posts
I have attended the audience several times. You arrange for the tickets online, at least two weeks in advance , and they don't accept requests more than 10 weeks in advance. Pick the tickets up the evening before at the Parish Office of Santa Susanna Church, between 4:30 and 6:15 pm. They are free, but donations are appreciated. They will not mail tickets to you or deliver them to your hotel, you must get them in person. www.santasusanna.org.
If this seems like too much of a bother, then book the tour. Personally, I would find the narration and info on a headset to be disturbing to my experience. You definitely need to be there early either way, or you will be very far from where the Pope and other Church dignitaries sit on the steps. Seats are setup in a cordoned off area in St Peter's Square. Be advised, sometime the Pope's schedule changes, sometimes the audience isn't scheduled for a particular Wednesday, which is why you can't get tickets more than 10 weeks out. You will be told if there is a change for a particular date when you reserve your free tickets.
It is very crowded there.They do have a modern system set up with very large screens on either side of the square, so you may see better what is happening. The message is read by the Pope, then read again in different languages for the attendees.
The experience is worth the time it takes to get tickets the evening before, and then to arrive early and wait. Much ceremony, sometimes "drive bys" in the Pope's open air vehicle, cheering by various Pilgrim groups from all over the world. There may also blessings of newlymarried couples who travel from many countries and are blessed in their wedding clothing. A wonderful spectacle for a non religious visitor, inspiring for a Catholic like myself.
If these things matter to you, there are very nice restrooms located near the Square.
I like to visit St. Peter's immediately afterwards for Confession, and as a continuation of the experience.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you very much !
Posted by
California
129 posts
The Santa Susanna website will give you the information you need , but the pickup place for the tickets is now St. Patricks. Santa Susanna is now closed to the American community in a dispute. St. Patricks is the new home parish for the American Community in Rome. St. Patricks is located very close to the America Embassy and easy to find.