How do you get to go see the Pope give Mass at the Vatican? <BR> <BR>How do you book passage on the Italian trains?

The Pope: I'm not sure about Mass, but the Pope does hold public audiences every Tues. (I think) in Vatican Square -- but not in summer, when he's at his summer residence. To get tickets, contact the pastor of your local Catholic church, and he'll put you in touch with the right people (that's what we did, anyway). <BR> <BR>Trains: Go through a local travel agent before you leave. They can book passage for you at no extra cost.

Papal Audiences are on Wednesdays ... in the square in good weather or in the Audience Hall in bad. Tickets through your parish or through the Visitors Office for your country in Rome. Address for the North American office at www.twenj.com/romevatican.htm ... you need not be a Catholic to attend ... or enjoy. <BR> <BR>The Pope does celebrate occasional public masses besides the big Easter and Christmas "dos" ... check "Pope" section at www.santasusanna.org for more info. They can arrange tickets for you, as could probably your parish. <BR> <BR>Schedules/fares for Italian Rail (FS) at www.trenitalia.it You can buy tickets there for pickup in Italy at the station at one of the automated machines or a ticket window. <BR> <BR>Unless you're traveling immediately upon arrival there's really little reason to book from home (US?) before you leave. TAs will book for you, as will many sources online. You will pay somewhat more for the tickets, though. Again, unless traveling immediately on arrival you can as easily buy there through a travel agent (no charge) or at the station, and the price won't be marked up as it would be here. <BR> <BR>

If you're going in July, by the way, the Pope will be up at Castel Gondolfo two or three weeks in July. The Santa Susanna site has that info I believe.

The Pope will be holding his Papal Audience on Wednesday, July 25th. I have my tickets which I rec'd through www.santasusanna.org. You have to pick them up the day before between 5-6:45.

Many thanks for the info.

EW, <BR>I just got back from Rome and my husband and I were able to get free tickets through our hotel for a Mass with the Pope. We happened to be in town on Pentecost Sunday, which is a major celebration for us Catholics and which is why the Pope actually presided over the Mass. So... you could always ask at your hotel if they know of any special appearances by the Pope and how you can get in. <BR> <BR>As for trains, I purchased all of our point-to-point tickets from the US using the Trenitalia website (www.fs-on-line.com). I received a confirmation code which I used to print the tickets from the yellow automated machines at the train stations. It worked like a charm! However, I knew exactly when we wanted to travel. If you want to be more spontaneous, you can always buy tickets when you're in Italy from the automated machines.

I purchased all of my point to point train tickets at the train stations. Never had a problem communicating where I wanted to go with the ticket attendants & I don't speak Italian. You can always write down where you're going & which train you plan on taking & show it to them if they give you a hard time. I never bothered getting reserved seats & didn't mind sitting in the corridor, but that's me.

What time is the Papal Audience on July 25th?