Sent for an invitation for the papal audience on Wednesdays in St. Peter's Square. We have to pick up the tickets that morning. Does anyone know how the seating may be? We have been to SPS on a Tuesday and seen the seats set out but are any of them reserved or is it strictly first come first served?

Tickets are color coded, with certain colors being up on the stage with the Pope and others in the Piazza, near the altar and then the vast majority, in the Piazza, further back. No tickets give you an assigned seat so whatever section you are in it is first come, first served. When you go through security, there will be ushers to point you in the direction of your section. Then it's a scramble to get the best seats possible. But in the Piazza, Jumbotron televisions are set up so you can get a good view of everything from wherever you sit.

thanks Grinisa for that information. No doubt we'll be the ones 'scrambling' for better seats in the Piazza.

We did this on our trip. We got there several hours early as I recall with the intent of touring St. Peters again. Upon arrival (I'll say at 8:00) we found they had put up metal detectors and set up the chairs and iron fencing. We decided to go on in and get a seat. We sat right by the aisle that the Pope is transported down, right by the gate. Go to the bathroom before you get your seat, and take some water. I was there in June as I recall and it was the hottest summer on record...take a few bottles of water.

I'm confused!!!
I understand there is a Papal Audience on Wednesdays and then a Blessing on Sundays (right?).
We will be in Rome August 2-6, and we were hoping to be able to see the Pope, but since it's summer, now I'm confused... does he or does he not have Papal Audiences on Wednesdays during the summer, either at the Vatican or at Castelgandolfo?
We are willing to extend our stay just to see His Holiness, but please provide any information you have so we can plan accordingly. Thanks!

perinola-

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