How to See the Pope at the Vatican in Rome: The Papal Audience

If you’re visiting Rome and want to cross off the ultimate bucket list experience, you’ll absolutely want to be a part of the Papal Audience at the Vatican with the Pope — and the warmer months of the year is a great time to do it! In the spring, summer, and early fall, Sunday Mass is held outside, in St. Peter’s Square. The larger venue means it’ll be easier for you to attend than during the cooler months, when the Papal Audience is held in St. Peter’s Basilica.

There is some planning and preparation involved, but attending the Papal Audience is a truly unique experience that’s well worth the effort (it was my favorite thing I did in Rome!)

Read on for a full guide to attending an outdoor Papal Audience at the Vatican.

The Pope addresses the public twice a week when he’s in Rome: on Wednesday mornings for the Papal Audience (also called General Audience), and on Sunday mornings (and holidays) for the Angelus. Both are always free to the public, although…