Can anyone comment on what it is like? I assume it is outdoors. Which way does the Pope enter? Can you leave early if you wanted? Or is it just phyiscally impossible? everyone stands or sits? Where does it happen?

thanks

Hi!
Yup, it is outdoors and there is a stage and alot of seats set up right in front of the basilica. The Pope enters from the back and weaves through the crowd; he sits on a white automobile and has guards with him. I actually have a photos of the papal audience at my online trip report, so you can check it out if you want to see what the whole set up looks like: http://space.per.sg/italy04/rome.htm

It's not always outside. If it's raining, cold or very hot, it is held in the Audience Hall to the left of the Basilica. Wherever it is, seating is by color-coded ticket, with certain tickets allowing you up on the dias with the Pope (if held outside) or in the front rows. Only people with special tickets will be allowed to meet the Pope at the conclusion of the audience. You must pass through security wherever it is held and go through metal detectors. Allow extra time for this. If your tickets are for the general seating area, it is first come, first served. The best seats are on the center aisle because if held inside, the Pope comes down this aisle when he enters the Hall, and if held outside, it gives the best view. You can leave early if you wish but if you aren't seated on an outside aisle, you will have to bother all the people seated in your row.

We were there on Wednesday of this years Holy Week. It was outdoors, lots of available seats, we got as near as about 30 rows from the stage where the Pope sat to officiate the mass.

You can leve anytime.

Danaeye, This may come out like a little bit of a flame so I apologize in advance, but just what do you think the audience is all about? It is, for most people a highly emotional sacred event, often the high point of their Catholic faith. It is not a movie that you would walk out on in the middle if you don't like the plot. Would you leave in the middle of a church service? The Holy Father is a man of incredible strength and faith, and while many Catholics (myself included)feel he is a little out of touch with the "real world" his dedication and faith should be an example to us all. Unless you are really willing to accept the solemness of the occasion, I would suggest that you spend your time elsewhere. Check out the Spanish Steps or the Via Cavour instead.

Mrs. MileKing and I went to the Papal Audience in mid-March 2002. It was held in the audience hall at that time and the Pope actually entered thru a side door on a wheeled platform. This was right after he had some serious health problems and he had actually cancelled his appearance the week prior. With the waits in line to get through the metal detectors and the event itself, it does occupy close to 1/2 day.

For some I suppose it is a very sacred and emotional experience, but I would hardly describe it as solemn. No disrespect intended, but the best description of the event is it's a "pep rally for the Pope". Even so, I would not recommend leaving in the middle of it. All in all, we enjoyed the experience and were glad we went.

topping for Ger, who must know quickly! if anyone has tips on how to get these tickets, post em here! thanks!

Go to www.santasusanna.org./popeVatican/tickets.html

We attended the Papal Audience on 9/22. There were very few empty seats. We followed the advice to be there by 9:30 a.m. for the 10:30 audience and that worked well. Like previously posted, you do want to be near a center aisle. You will find when he arrives, many leave their seats and flock to that location. Several will stand on chairs in order to get a picture. It was quite warm and sunny the morning when we were there - sunscreen and/or a hat was a must.

We went in June with no tickets- walked in and sat near the front. So if you don't have tickets - still go... you'll probably be able to sit (we arrived about 1 hour early). And I agree - although I am not Catholic, I wouldn't dream of leaving. My mother-in-law is Catholic, and this was a very moving event for her. It is somewhat like a pep ralley (various groups are announced and they may sing for the pope, etc. from the audience as they are announced). But you will feel as though you are in a religious service. I think to leave would be viewed as quite rude unless you are on the end of the last row.