Synod affecting October visits?

Posted by melmay14 on 09/14/23 10:14 AM

I am starting to get a bit frustrated.

It was announced a few weeks back that there would be a Bishop's Synod in October. Okay, fine.

Per the Vatican website, there are only 2 events listed in October. According to Papalaudience.org, public events will be held, but are yet to be confirmed. So, they have their schedule listed through the end of the year, with the exception of October. In October, they have nothing.

I am 3 weeks out from my trip, and I am staying near the Vatican, and most of my trip was centered around the Vatican, so as you can imagine, it's incredibly frustrating to have no news, no way to be able to plan things.

Anyone else with an October visit struggling?

Posted by frzummo87

09/14/23 03:29 PM

15 posts

I am new to this forum - been gathering info for our upcoming trip in October. Here is the link with Papal schedule for October. We requested tickets for October 4th Holy Mass and received tickets soon after our request. There is a request form available on the site with email address to submit.

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/month.dir.html/2023/10.html

Posted by melmay14 OP

09/14/23 06:41 PM

77 posts

Thanks....I am familiar with this schedule, but I will not be there during those dates. I was looking for the Sunday Angelus and the Papal Audiences.

Posted by Kathy

Minnesota 🎒

09/14/23 10:13 PM

16616 posts

The Pontifical North American College website essentially states the same:
"During the month of October, the Vatican will hold the Synod. We await further clarification on what Papal events will take place and will be open to the public."

They also state that;
"Due to the Holy Father’s health, the official Papal Calendar is currently only updated a few days in advance, when the Papal liturgy or event has been officially confirmed by the Vatican."

I'm thinking it probably doesn't help you but they do provide a link for pre-reserving Wed. Audience tickets along with the caution to "...please bear in mind that they may be cancelled if the Holy Father’s health prevents him from celebrating a Mass or if he is travelling,"

https://www.pnac.org/visitorsoffice/papal-calendar/

So for the time being it looks like the best you can do is just check the websites for updates every few days? I'll assume you've already purchased your Vatican Museum tickets? I wouldn't think they would be affected by the Synod.

Posted by melmay14 OP

09/17/23 12:09 PM

77 posts

Thanks Kathy- no it does not help much, but it is what it is at this point.

Yes, I do have my Vatican Museums tour planned. And, I won't be there on Wednesday. But, I am curious about the Sunday Angelus, and also if there are any other special masses that will take place during the 2 days I am there.

I had considered doing the Pantheon Mass but had opted against it, as I didn't want to have to rush back to Vatican City for the Angelus. So, some of my itinerary is sort of in flux at this point.