Statia

I'm wondering if the attire at St. Peters for a papal mass is any different than attire for other Catholic churches? Is it dressier than most, or less dressy because of tourism?

I'm aware of having shoulders and knees covered, but wondering if the typical attire for a Sunday mass said by the Pope is dressier than most other masses or is it about the same?

What have you seen worn to a papal mass?

barbmike

First of all, there are very few Sunday masses the Pope celebrates at St. Peters that are opened to the general publc. On most Sundays, the Pope simply gives a blessing from the window above the entrance to the Basilica.

He celebrates Easter Sunday mass in the area in front of the Basilica, and most people wear casual cloths since the weather on that day may indeed be rather cold March/April. I actually wore a ski cap one Easter a few years ago.

I did notice that the people who were fortunate to have seats in the area next to the altar wore suits and dresses ect.. He does celebrate masses in St.Peters on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Holy Week. I was also fortunate to attend them a few years ago and the dress was mostly casual. Have a nice trip!!! Mike

Statia

Thanks for the info, Mike. I have confirmed that the Pope is indeed saying a public mass when we are there on March 19, and we hope to get there early enough to get into the church, but I'm sure we won't be anywhere near the altar.

barbmike

Statia, that sounds great, but do you have a ticket for the mass on that day? Mike

Statia

When I inquired with the Vatican about getting tickets I was told that because it is a mass for Italian workers, tickets will not be issued for that day. I was advised to get there early, though. I'm thinking three hours early and hoping that will be enough.

barbmike

Also good news, but I would strongly suggest getting there at least 3 hours early. In addition, be prepared for a mad rush once they begin letting people through the metal detectors. It's a little "out of control" at that point, and without the need for a ticket, it might be even more maddening!!!

barbmike

I have a seating suggestion for you. When you finally get into the Basilica, seat in any row that has you near to the center as you will be only a few feet from the Pope when he enters/departs.
Don't worry how far back you are from the altar because you will be. The real key is how close to the center you will be during his entrance/exit. It will really be a memorable experience. Mike

Statia

Thanks so much for the suggestions, Mike. My mother is going to be in a wheelchair, so maybe people won't be so pushy around her and we can get a decent spot.

Balenciaga

Statia, if you would be so kind as to take note of the Pope's shoes when you go to the mass I would really appreciate it. Try to discern if the Pope really does wear red Prada loafers.
Also, could you please report back on Fodor's if you think the pope has had plastic surgery?

Thank you,
Balenciaga

PalQ

In France my relatives call him the "Panzer Pope"

Statia

Will do, Balenciaga.

In all honesty, this mass is really important to my mom because she is a former Catholic nun and it's a lifelong dream of hers to attend a Papal mass. So, we've lucked out in there being one on the only Sunday we are there. The day before her birthday, at that.

barbmike

They may have a separate entrance and sitting location for people in wheelchairs. Again, I suggest getting there early and asking a few guards about it. If you don't like the individual's answer, wait a few minutes and ask another guard in a slightly different location, but do it well before they open the "gates". Mike

Statia

Thanks for the heads up, Mike. Will do.

Underhill

You could try writing to the North American College and asking about special seating/entrance for disabled people.