Calling all travelers who have been to Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. I've seen a few posts on this but they were either way too old or didn't have the information I need. I have 4 confirmed tickets for the Christmas Midnight Mass at St Peter's Basilica so I am set to get past security (and I am aware this doesn't guarantee getting inside). We plan to get in the security line real early (around 1:00 - 2:00pm) to hopefully be one of the earliest to get past that checkpoint. We'll have a few snacks and some water with us and ensure any restroom needs are addressed before getting in line (still contemplating the Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs) ... aka astronaut diapers). We'll be ready for the wait and the upcoming battle.
My wife and I went to the outdoor Papal audience in St. Peter's Square in April 2016 and remember the lines to go through security were pretty orderly, but when the guards came to open the gates, it became a mass of humanity just pushing forward and the lines basically disappeared.
Question #1 - Can I expect the same security line chaos for the Midnight Mass?
During our visit in 2016, we had special tickets for the section on the right side of where the Pope and his entourage sit and speak. Once past security, we just proceeded to our section, showing our tickets several times to get past a few more gatekeepers.
Question #2 - Once past security, is there another line/queue for entrance into the church at some time before Mass starts or do you enter the church immediately after security and start the battle for some close and/or aisle seats?
Our section was open seating, so by time we got in and figured out where to go and made our way there, the only seats remaining were towards the back of the section (but they were still very close to the 'action').
Question #3 - For Midnight Mass, are you assigned a section (like they did for our 2016 Papal audience, each section having a different color ticket so you can be directed to your correct section) and you find an open seat in that section or you can sit wherever in the Church as long as it is not roped off or reserved?
If a restroom is needed, I understand there in one inside security but not in the Basilica itself.
Question #4 - Once inside and after the chaos of finding seats, can you exit the Basilica to go to the restroom and then get back inside? (if not, another plus for the MAGs)
Any advice/assistance is very much appreciated. Thanks.