Rome pass worth it?

Have you looked at the Capuchin Crypt?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/capuchin-crypt-in-rome-3e5b5bd9-efc4-45d0-aeb3-b66478318132

For teens, I would say Colosseum Yes, Vatican No.

Take them on a food tour; walk them around outside (Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon); go out to the catacombs and perhaps the Cerveteri Tombs. Walk around the Foro Romano . . .all of these are outside and allow for some sightseeing of ruins and other tourists, but the Vatican is just over-crowded and obnoxious (to me) during high tourist season.

Maybe go out to Ostia Antica; rent bicycles somewhere; go to the beach or a pool; eat gelato. Go see a movie like Dr Strange or James Bond in Italian.

Most of all, have fun!

The Rome pass is worth it depending on whether it includes things you want to do.

With Vatican you mean the Museum? It's not covered by the Roma Pass; it's not in Italy. You mean Saint Peter's Church and the square by the same name? They are both free.

So, you must do your math based on what's actually included in the pass: Public transit, the Colosseum/Forum/Palatin Hill combo and... https://www.romapass.it/en/museums/

They may like the Domus Aurea more than a huge Basilica, you must find a way to get them more involved in the planning.

IMA, I know you're planning to surprise the girls, but for both Rome and Paris (referencing your similar post re the Paris pass,) I think you need to get them involved.

For one thing, you need to know what they consider "touristy stuff." For another, getting them involved in the planning would give them some skin in the game, and would give you a chance to get to know them and their interests better.

You gave to do the math but the Roma pass is usually not worth it

Kids under 18 are free at Colosseum and you’ll still need a ticket and to book timed entries there anyway

Skip the Vatican
If art is of interest visit the Borghese Gallery
Need to book timed entry in advance

Agree with food tour, Capuchin Crypts but especially with getting them involved in the planning

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions.
The girls are completely in the dark on this trip. I want this to be a surprise --- who wouldn't like a surprise trip to an amazing place.
I know them enough to know Rome is worth it - and hey, if my choices on places to visit aren't worth it --- well then, we can always just eat gelato and skip the places I booked (that would suck financially, but it's always an option).

It sounds like
NO do not get the Rome pass