Pope's Sunday Blessing

I would be interested in this answer too. I thought the Pope was only in the Vatican on Wednesdays. We will be in Rome on a Sunday. Is this a good time to visit the museum or is it even open on Sunday? Thanks.

We arrived via night train in Roma at 6:30 and thought we would jamb over to St. Peter's for a nice early empty visit. However, the Pope was going to speak at 10:30 and at 7:30 it was packed. Lucky us however, we got an such an unexpected time. Anyhow, go early very very eary. Sit up frount by the fence as that is where the Popemobile drives in!

I spent last witner in Rome and had the opportunity to attend Pope Benedict XVI's Sunday blessing on a few occassions. You really don't have to arrive to early for them...the first time I went we didn't get there until minutes before he appeared, yet there was still room to stand towards the south side of St. Peter's Square (and this was even on the Day of the Solemnity of Mary). The second time I went it was closer to Spring, the weather was beautiful, and there was still room to stand. So, I would suggest no more than 20 minutes early is fine. I can't put a hard time cap on the blessings; on the Solemnity of Mary it was longer, and then later in the winter it was shorter. Just depends on what important Church day it might be.

Just for clarifications sake: The every Sunday when teh Pope is in town he appears at his window high above St. Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus and blessing. There is no ticket or cost associated with this. It takes place at Noon on Sundays. On Wednesdays, the Pope holds a general audience. This takes place at 10:30 either in the Square or in the Audience Hall. A ticket IS required, but is free. Tickets are available from the American Cahtolic Church in Rome called Santa Susanna. They have a website through which you may request tickets. Get their early for this event, and if the event is in teh audience hall, try and sit as close to the aisle as possible (at least 8AM), for you may be able to shake the Pope's hand.

Pope will be in Brazil roughly May 9-14, and will not make a Wednesday appearance on the 9th and 16th.