We will be attending the Pope's Wed. audience in two weeks and wondered if anyone knows if he blesses rosaries on that day? Also, can you buy rosaries blessed by the Pope at the gift shop?

My cousin brought back a blessed rosary so I guess that may be where she got it. But I am not certain as I never asked her.

Yes, at the end of the audience there will be an announcement in several languages saying that the Holy Father will now bless you and any articles you have with you. Everyone stands up and a lot of people hold up handfuls of rosaries and other articles. Several years ago, I saw "pre-blessed" rosaries at one of the Vatican gift shops.

I don't know about Wednesday, but any rosary you buy at the Vatican gift shop can be blessed and they will then deliver it to your hotel the next day. Bear in mind however, that it is a "Vatican" blessing, I don't know that it is a "Pope" blessing.

Yep. My understanding is that anything you have with you is blessed. I also remember seeing those previously-blessed rosaries because I thought about buying one for a friend.

~gnr~

And, yes, there is a gift shop for religious items right in the piazza where the audience takes place. As you look at St. Peter's, it is on the right. I think many people buy things there and hold them up for the Pope's blessing at that mass audience.

KathyJasper
My husband and I will be in the papal audience on wed Nov 3.
We have the Scavi tour scheduled that afternoon.
How long will you be in Rome?
Nono

Hi nono:
We are leaving for home on Fri. the 5th. We are also scheduled for the Scavi Tour that afternoon @ 1:30. What time is your tour?

will be looking forward to your trip report, as I leave 2 weeks after you do! (both of you!)

I guess we'll see you at the tour unless they offer more than one at 1:30.
We arrive Rome on tuesday Nov 2 and wednesday is our first full touring day.
Nono
Maybe we can get together after the tour for a glass of vino.