Papal Audience Tickets: How You Can See the Pope

Seeing the Pope in Rome, or rather in the Vatican, is high on the list for many people looking for what to do in Rome. For a lot of visitors it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and here we'll show you how to pull it off.

Tickets for a papal audience with Pope Francis are free, but you need to book well in advance, and seats are limited.

What is a papal audience?

Once a week, the papal audience takes place, when the Pope addresses everyone who has come to Vatican City to hear him, sharing messages and prayers in Italian that are then translated into several languages. At the end, following Catholic tradition, he gives a blessing to those present and their families.

The current Pope, Francis I, is known for a more relaxed and warm style during audiences. He often breaks protocol to get closer to the crowd, and the audiences have become busy again.

How do you attend a papal audience?

You can do it all yourself, by writing (in English or Italian) to the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Their page has more instructions and the form you need to download, fill in and send by fax.

You can also try calling the same offices: 011-39-06-698-83017. And if you're already in Rome, you can go to the offices in person and ask for the tickets you need.

You can skip all that paperwork by booking a tour to attend the papal audience. You'll have a Spanish-speaking guide with you who will make sure you get the most out of the experience.

The tour starts at 6:30 am at the meeting point set by the guide, near St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide stays with you throughout and will tell you about the history of the papacy, along with the figures and artists behind the wonderful works of Vatican City. To find out more and book a papal audience, click here.

When do papal audiences take place?

Audiences are held on Wednesdays from 10:30 am. Sometimes Pope Francis appears before then and rides through the crowd greeting people.

What should you know before attending a papal audience?

• The dress code is enforced: no shorts, and women should cover their shoulders.
• In summer it can get very hot. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat (hats are allowed).
• Seats are limited.

Is there another way to see the Pope?

On Sundays, the Pope appears at his window overlooking St. Peter's Square at midday to greet the pilgrims who come from all over the world and recite the Angelus. This is free and open to anyone who wants to attend.

When does the Pope appear at the window?

According to www.romando.org, the Pope appears at the window over St. Peter's Square every Sunday at 12:00 for the Angelus prayer. He also holds the General Audience every Wednesday at 9:00. Access is free, but for the audience you need free tickets, requested from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.