Hello! We are heading to Italy in May.

I sent a fax to the Prefecture of the Papal Household to reserve tickets for a Wednesday audience per their website, but am wondering if they will send some type of notification that the tickets are reserved or if we just show up and hope for the best?

We having a scavi tour scheduled later that day and will be heading down from Florence, so we're just trying to figure out if we need to book an early train.

Has anyone gone through the Prefecture and received any type of notice that their request was received?

Thanks!

You're supposed to get either a letter or a return fax confirming that you have tickets. How long ago did you send the fax? I'm sure they're not quick to respond, as the demand for these tickets has been overwhelming in the past year.

Also, I had read some time ago that you should request tickets no longer than ten weeks in advance.

I requested my ticket to the General Audience through Santa Sussana. Scroll to bottom of link to request your tickets. Do read through the thread for any info you may require.

http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVatican/tickets.html

Oops.. Sussana s/b Susanna!

Thanks for the info!

I sent the fax a couple weeks ago. Haven't gotten a return fax or mail yet. I'm guessing I was about 12 weeks out from when we'd go (5/14) when I sent it, but I didn't see a restriction on the Prefecture's website like the one Santa Susanna has. I'm sure they're swamped.

Joannyc, we went through Santa Susanna a couple years ago, but they only allow you to pick up tickets the day before (I think). We decided to go through the Prefecture this time as we'll be in Florence and you can pick them up the same day.

Yes, it was the day before at Santa Susanna, late afternoon or early evening pickup if I recall correctly.

Yes, it is the Tuesday evening before the audience when you need to pick up your tickets from Santa Susanna. And, sap, I hope you were planning to be in Rome the night before anyway.

Trust me, if you want to get a seat (ticket doesn't guarantee you a chair), you'll have to be there at 6am. Or earlier.

When Benedict was Pope, we arrived at 8:30 am and were able to get through security and secure seats by 9 am.

Last May, I arrived at 8:00 am to see this Pope and it was a major fiasco. The carabinieri were letting everyone in, ticket or no ticket. The place was already packed and overflowing out into the streets past St. Peter's Square. Not only was my ticket worthless, but I was lucky to get a spot to stand in where I could at least lean on a pillar.

Try to get a position near the roped off aisles. He usually comes by in the open car and you can get some great pictures.

Good luck!

The crowds at every Wednesday audience and at every Sunday Angelus have been unbelievable for the past year. Some people stay in the square all night. Pope Francis now has a fan magazine in Italy; the first issue just hit the newsstands!

I can't believe they're not even giving tickets for the sanctification of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II on April 27th. They're expecting 5 million visitors. Hotels are already nearly sold out, and those that still have rooms are charging triple and more the usual price. And yet they say that "anyone who can find room in the square" can attend. I just hope no one gets trampled.

Oh my! The last time we were there, Benedict was Pope and the square was maybe 1/3 full. There was hardly a line to get in.

We'll probably have to re-think this. We'll be heading down for the Scavi tour anyway, but that's not until 3:00pm. We saw the Forum, Colliseum, Spainish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, etc last time we stayed in Rome.

If we decide not to do the General Audience/can't get in, are there some sites around the Vatican or central Rome area that we should add to this trip?

What are your main interests? There are some world-class museums in Rome that are overlooked by most tourists. There are also many ancient sites that most people have never heard of. There are also some very beautiful churches. You could easily spend weeks in Rome without running out of fascinating things to see and do.

For general audience tickets:

If you are American, send an email to the US Bishops' office in Rome at [email protected].

They will get back to you pretty quickly. The tickets are free and you can always contact the person who didn't get back to you first to tell them you have your tickets. I found it very easy to do and easy to pick up as well.

ps agree with Sarge! Even in late November (ie colder and not high tourist season) I got there at 630 AM and it was madness. Had I waited I would not have had a seat.

I saw JPII in late November 2004, by contrast, and I recall showing up around 9 AM give or take and while there were crowds it was no problem. It was also inside which was nice. Brrrr.

ps again. Just go for it. It's May, the weather will be nice. If you are tired go back to the hotel and take a nap for a few hours. He's a rock star.

fly- I don't see any point in getting the ticket unless you plan on being there at zero dark thirty.

sap- The Castel Sant'Angelo is worth a visit, and you're really just a short walk from Trastavere. You could go see Santa Maria in Trastavere (the mosaics are phenomenal) and then lunch nearby. Many fine trattorias in that area.

I think he should go for it! It will be light out, the weather will be nice in May - and it's quite an event.