wanda

Im going to Rome in October and would like to see him. I know he has an audience on Wednesdays - but, I wont be there on a Wed. I think I was told that he has something on a Saturday or Sunday. Am I correct? What is it exactly and how do I get tickets? TIA

Grinisa

At Sundays at noon, the Pope blesses the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. No tickets are necessary. Bring binoculars if you want to "see" him as he does this from his window in the Papal Palace which is high above the Piazza.

mtl

Grinisa,
Further to your reply - we had intended going to the Papal blessing this coming Sunday, but I've just read that Catholics require a letter of intro from their priest. Have you heard of this before? Thank you.

Grinisa

No letter from your priest is necessary. There are thousands of people gathered in the Square at noon. The Pope appears at his window, says a prayer and possibly a short statement, blesses the crowd and goes. You don't even need a letter from your priest to get tickets to a Wed. audience. The only time you would need such a letter is if you want a private audience or a personal blessing after the general audience on Wednesdays. The Holy Father conducts very few truly private audiences anymore, mostly those are reserved for visiting heads of state or other dignitaries and getting up on stage for a personal blessing on Wed. is usually reserved for newlyweds and other special groups that have had this pre-arranged.

mtl

Thank you! That clears it up for me, I was wondering why I hadn't seen any previous mention of such a thing Looking forward to Sunday! Thanks again.