The Wednesday general audience
The general audience is held in principle every Wednesday, depending on the pope's schedule. It takes place in St Peter's Square or in the Paul VI Hall, depending on the season and the weather. It includes a catechesis, greetings in several languages and the blessing. It generally starts in mid-morning, but the time varies: check it on your ticket. Audiences are usually suspended in July; check the calendar before planning your trip.
Getting a free ticket
Tickets are free and are requested from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. The request is made online on the Prefecture's official website, or by email with a form giving the date of the audience, the number of tickets, your names, your contact details and the group name if applicable. Apply well in advance, as places are limited.
Collecting your tickets
Collection is at the Bronze Door, under the right-hand colonnade of St Peter's Square: on the Tuesday before the audience from 3pm to 7pm, or on the morning itself from 7:30am. Never pay for a ticket: sellers offer them at high prices, which is a classic scam (see our guide to scams to avoid in Rome).
The Sunday Angelus
Every Sunday at noon, the pope recites the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace, in St Peter's Square. There is no ticket and no registration: you simply come to the square. The crowd arrives early, especially on major feast days. The Angelus is a shorter and simpler occasion than the general audience. In summer the pope may be at Castel Gandolfo; check the programme.
Security and dress
Security checks are similar to those at St Peter's Basilica: bags are scanned and dangerous objects are banned. Arrive with time to spare. Appropriate dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered. In summer bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as the wait is often on your feet, in the sun.
What to see nearby
- St Peter's Basilica, right next door, for a visit before or after the audience.
- The Vatican Museums, to be booked in advance.
- Castel Sant'Angelo, at the end of Via della Conciliazione.
- St John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.
- For the feast of the city's patron saints, see the Feast of St Peter and St Paul.
See also our guide to the pilgrimage of the four major basilicas.
Key points
| Event | When | Ticket | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| General audience | Wednesday, depending on the schedule | Free, to request from the Prefecture | St Peter's Square or Paul VI Hall |
| Angelus | Sunday, noon | None | St Peter's Square |
Going further
For the rest of the Vatican, see Rome in 3 days.
