We plan to be inside the Basilica at 10:30am. How long would the line be going into the Basilica at that time of the year? Can someone tells us how long to clear the security lines.

There usually isn't much of a line to go in to St. Peter's nor much security and it moves pretty fast. If it's for Wednesday Mass or on a holiday the lines might be longer.

Except for Wednesdays for the Papal audience there is very little security. Depending on the number of visitors it will be a matter of how long it takes you to walk from the street up the stairs. If attending the Papal audience (ticket required - but they are free) the square is sealed off and they do not let you enter until 8:30am. St Peter's is closed during the Papal audience i.e. from Wednesday morning to approximately noon.

I accidentally crashed the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Beatification for Mother Theresa, and still didn't wait for more than 30 minutes.

The Swiss Police may be dressed funny, but they have some efficient police to process you though.

There's NO way to call what the line will be like at 10:30 a.m. on any day, any month...I can't imagine it would be that bad.

I highly recommend the Rick Steves Rome book for the tour of the Vatican. He has some very nice suggestions.

Don't miss the papal crypt. I about hit my knees at the site of St. Peter's crypt...amazing and sobering, and I don't consider myself terribly religious.

Happy travels.

Jules

Thanks for all your replies.