Margot

My husband, daughter and I have tickets to a papal audience on Ash Wednesday. Can we wear our everyday tourist clothes (khakis, nice shirts/jackets), or do we need to wear something more formal? Does my head need to be covered - I'm not kidding - I'm clueless about this sort of thing! Please advise...

wendy

What do you mean by papal audience? Are you just going to be in front of the Vatican while he speaks and acknowledges groups? In that case, just wear normal clothes. If you're attending a mass given by the Pope, then wear church clothes.

Women covering their heads is pretty old-fashioned, I only see elderly women doing that these days, and even then, it's usually just a lace kerchief.

StCirq

If you are going to one of the outdoor "audiences" (they've really stretched the meaning), you'll be there with literally thousands of people and it won't matter what you're wearing. If you're going to enter St. Peter's, though, women must have their shoulders covered, and no shorts are allowed.

Ed

Presuming you mean the weekly general audience (indeed, on Wednesdays) your proposed dress will be just fine. At that time of year the audience is likely to held in the Sala Audienza, just around the corner more or less and to the south of Pza. San Pietro.

It's a cast of thousands so dress up is not especially required. You will want to observe the prevailing dress code of legs and shoulders covered, but don't worry about covering the head, no longer required.

It's a moving occasion, usually for non-Catholics as well. If you can, get there early to get a seat as far toward the front as possible. If you can work out to seat near the center aisle it may add to your enjoyment as well.

Ed

Michael

Sackcloth.