For most people, seeing the pope in the flesh is little more than an achievable dream. But for those in Rome, it’s an experience that’s as realistic as it is unforgettable. Whether you come to Rome simply as a tourist or on a Catholic pilgrimage, you’ll have a plethora of opportunities to attend papal celebrations and meet the pope at the Vatican.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to see the pope when in Rome and the different options you have to choose from (e.g. Masses and audiences). We’ll also touch on how to get tickets to these services and a few of our pro tips to make your encounter with the pope a smooth and memorable experience. Finally, we’ll delve into whether there is a possibility to get a private audience with the pope.
Can I go to Mass at the Vatican?
Yes, you can go to Mass at the Vatican.
While the Vatican hosts several noteworthy Masses throughout the year, the following events boast the largest audiences and highest degree of importance:
- Christmas Mass: Every Christmas Eve the pope hosts a special mass in honor of the holiday. Traditionally held at midnight, this Christmas Mass now begins around 7:30 following Italy’s Covid-19 restrictions in 2020.
- Easter Mass: This important Catholic holiday is celebrated by a magnificent public Mass led by the pope.
- Pentecost Mass: On the 7th Sunday after Easter, the Vatican holds a Pentecost Mass in honor of Jesus descending upon his apostles and the Virgin Mary.
How to attend Christmas or Easter mass at the Vatican?
Attending a papal Mass is usually free as it is a public affair. That said, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance as these spots fill up pretty quickly.
For normal Masses (e.g. Sunday Mass), we recommend booking one to three days in advance. If you’d like to attend a celebratory mass (e.g. Christmas Mass) or other special events, consider booking up to six months in advance.
These Masses take place in various Vatican basilicas, such as St. Peter’s Basilica or the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
How to see the pope on Sunday?
Sunday is a holy day within the Church, so it’s no surprise that so many tourists and devout followers choose to tour the Vatican on a Sunday. On this day, you can not only attend a papal Mass, but also attend the Angelus – a Catholic prayer in commemoration of Jesus’ incarnation.
If you’re wondering “What day does the Pope speak at the Vatican?” or “When does the Pope come out to speak publicly?” then the all-important Angelus prayer may be the answer to your question.
While the Angelus prayer is recited three times daily, the pope’s public recitation of this prayer only occurs only on Sundays at noon. This public event takes place in St. Peter’s Square, where the pope appears in his apartment window. After the prayer he will also give a short speech and impart a blessing.
Like most religious events held at the Vatican the Sunday Angelus is free to attend. However, the event is incredibly popular. So it’s a good idea to arrive well in advance to secure a good spot.
While the Angelus prayer is recited come rain or shine, the public recitation of this prayer is weather-dependent. You can check the Vatican’s official website for more information on the Angelus prayer times and cancellations.
How to see the pope on Wednesday?
In addition to the Angelus prayer service on Sundays, papal general audiences are also held each Wednesday. While usually held in St. Peter’s Square, they may take place in the Paul VI Hall in case of harsh weather conditions.
How to get tickets to see the pope? You can attend this service free of charge, but it’s best to book tickets in advance online or at the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household. Head to the official Papal Audience website to learn how to reserve free tickets to see the pope.
The Pope Francis Wednesday audience usually lasts around an hour. You can expect the pope to perform a greeting, catechesis (Catholic instruction for confirmation), and a final blessing.
How to meet the pope in private?
For some people the dream would be to be able to get some face time with the pope in private. Unfortunately, this is where we have to deliver some bad news to you. There are no mechanisms currently in place that allow you to request a private audience with the Pope.
We can only try to imagine how busy his schedule must be. The very little private time he has is dedicated to official meetings and prayer.
How to see the pope on other occasions?
Would you like to meet the pope outside of these specifically designated days? He also participates in numerous other events throughout the year such as canonizations, beatifications and pastoral visits.
However, to meet the pope in alternative settings such as these you may require a special invitation as access to such events are very limited. We recommend you to monitor the Vatican’s official website for information about future events!
Although Walks Inside Rome does not offer tours that include being part of a papal audience, we do offer alternative experiences of the Vatican!
For example, the Clavigero tour sheds a very exclusive new light on the Vatican Museums. At the crack of dawn you will be part of the process of unlocking the doors and turning on the lights for each and every room in the museum, sharing the sacred art with the yearning public for the day. This early morning experience will also let you examine and exist around the Vatican art without any crowds around.
