Please sign in to post.

Papal Audience- Tips

Hi-
I'm new to the forum...so I'm not sure if there is a search option to find something on point?

Anyway, my wife and another couple and I will be traveling to Rome in late April. We've arranged tickets to the papal audience for our group...I believe for Wednesday, April 25th. I was wondering if anyone else has been in the past few months or year...was hoping to get some tips on how to get the closest and in the best location to be nearest the Pope when he enters, leaves, and is giving his "audience?" Any tips on how best to maximize this amazing experience would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
98 posts

Get there as early as you can and get a seat next to the roadway the Pope-mobile will take when he does his initial circuit around the square. Everyone will remain seated until he makes an appearance at which point they will all stand up like idiots or even climb onto their chairs. We were a couple of rows in from the railing marking the pope's path and I couldn't see a dang thing but for a brief glimpse of the top of his cap. Once he made it back to the dais, most folks sat down. Well, everybody except for the goobers with the 10 foot long banner who stood up in front of us the whole service. At least we could see the TV screens.

Posted by
11790 posts

As Jeff said, arrive early, like 6:30 AM to get in line. Seriously. There is a mad dash for seats and you want to be on an aisle, hopefully along the path the Pope will take when he enters. If it is going to be sunny, you will want to be in the shade even if it is cool to start.

Posted by
9005 posts

13, the SEARCH function is in a gray box at the top of this page, with a magnifying glass icon. It doesn't really stand out, so its easy to miss.

Posted by
305 posts

Also, you might want to go to the corners as he seems to stop at the corners. I was at the back of my holding pen but grabbed a chair and sat at the white wooden fence.