We are planning to attend the papal blessing in St Peters Square at noon on Sunday May 15, 2011. Has anyone been to this recently? How far ahead should we plan to arrive? Is it crazy trying to get out of that area afterwards? Is it best to leave by bus, metro or taxi to avoid the crowds? Thanks all...

We did that when we were in Rome several years ago. However, we contacted the Vatican ahead of time and received tickets. It was very special and something that we all thought was so spiritual and good. We took the bus there and just walked out and left. Yes, it was very crowded but we did not have any problems.

We did this a year ago. We just walked over to St. Peter's Square and walked to a spot where we could see the balcony. (Our hotel was at the top of the Spanish Steps, so it was a bit of a hike.) We did not stay for the pope's entire address, but left a little before the end. We just walked back to our hotel. It was actually quite a spectacle to see -- lots of people from lots of different countries. The atmosphere was very festive. Unless you want to get a place to stand out in the middle, I don't think you need to worry about arriving way ahead of time. We were on the edge of the square, and could see and hear fine.

It's about 10 years since I was there. There was a large group of us and we had organised a bus to take us there. I seem to remember we were there fairly early. I do remember that getting out of the square took a long time, it wasn't a problem, not a mad rush by people to get away, but more a sort of organised chaos! Remember, Italians don't understand Queues too well. It was a great experience and one not to be missed.

There are *no* tickets to the Sunday blessing; tickets are for the Wednesday general audience.