We are going to be in Rome for 4 days this summer with our two kids (middle schooler and elementary ages), we are Catholic and would like to see the Pope. Any recommendations on how to check to see where he will be while we are there and where to get tickets? Also, any other ideas for tours with kids - they love history and can hang with tours. thanks!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
The Pope does leave town in the summer, usually in mid to late July until late September. Otherwise a Wednesday morning servce outside in the Square make work best for your children. They start at 10:30 AM outside.
Here's the Holy See (Vatican) website for more info: http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Other info for tickets:
Ticket to Papal audience can be obtained at the Vatican's number (+39 06.69.88.32.73), or through the Church of Santa Susanna - Website: www.santasusanna.org
Other Contact: [email protected]
The tickets are free. The Pope also does a blessing from his study window on Sundays at 12 noon. Usually lasts less than 15 minutes (at least the few times I've been.)
We had friends with children and they were fascinated by the Colosseum and Forum - enjoyed climbing over everything! They also liked the Hop On-Hop Off bus because they were up high and could see! And of course the BONE Church on Via Veneto!
Good Luck!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2575 posts
A wee bit off topic, but just for clarification, the "bone" church is the Cappuccin Crypt (see here) and it is cool, creepy, and kid-interesting, especially when they tell their friends back home they saw lamps (and everything else) made out of monk parts.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
CL, thanks for the clarification... We are talking about the same chuch! It's located on Via Veneto about 75 yards up the hill from the Metro Barberini, as you head to the American Embassy and Hard Rock Cafe, the church is on your right!
It goes by many names - Santa Maria della Concezione (Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception)... but ALL the kids know it as the BONE church - and for good reason. The church is not very impressive. It's not well lit and does not have the art of other churches... But the Capuchin Crypt is why the tourists (and kids) come. Separate entrance on the right... NO PICTURES allowed inside the crypt - It's free but they ask for donations.
For the kids visiting on the last trip, this was their highlight... then we walked down the street and they ate at Hard Rock and got their T-Shirt, undoubtedly their favorite street in Rome! As they said, Who needs history when you can do "gross." Oh, to be young again!
Posted by
natick, ma, usa
55 posts
I suggest asking your local priest for a "hook up"....our family went to the Pope's summer residence (outside of Rome) for a visit and we had the assistance of a member of the Knights of Malta.
Sadly, I believe you need to have someone "pave the way"