Vatican City – General Audience with the Pope

Vatican City is recognized as the center of the Catholic world. This small sectioned off area of only 110 acres of land within Rome is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world by both area and population (around 840 people). Despite being a non-Catholic, a visit to the Vatican was a must when I was visiting Rome because not only was I able to see a bit of history, but I was also able to truly appreciate the extent of man’s devotion to God.

If you are fortunate enough to have the Pope in town during your visit, you can request tickets to attend the General Audience with the Pope, which occurs every Wednesday at 10:30am in St. Peter’s Square. Tickets are entirely free of charge, so don’t be duped into buying a tour which offers you audience tickets for a whopping €30.00+. Tickets may be requested at least 10 days in advance from the U.S. bishops’ office or picked up the day before without a reservation (subject to availability). During this audience, you will be greeted by the Pope, attend a prayer, and have any religious objects or items blessed by the Pope at the end of the ceremony. It was definitely an experience in itself to be in the Pontiff’s presence and see the devotion of all the pilgrims.

Entrance fee: Free
Duration of visit: 1-1.5 hours

St. Peter's Square during our General Audience with the Pope.
St. Peter’s Square during our General Audience with the Pope.
St. Peter's Square during the General Audience with the Pope.
St. Peter’s Square during the General Audience with the Pope.
The Pope rides around the crowd in a sort of popemobile and greets all the attendees. I saw people reaching out to touch him, one pilgrim even gave the Pope his baby, which he gently kissed on the head. You can feel the excitement within the crowds.
The Pope rides around the crowd in a sort of popemobile and greets all the attendees. I saw people reaching out to touch him, one pilgrim even gave the Pope his baby, which he gently kissed on the head. You can feel the excitement within the crowds.
General Audience with the Pope - The Pope says a few prayers during the ceremony.
General Audience with the Pope – The Pope says a few prayers during the ceremony.
St. Peter's Square during the early morning when it's all quiet...very peaceful.
St. Peter’s Square during the early morning when it’s all quiet…very peaceful.
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