Visiting Rome - Chance Of Seeing The Pope

Many people have heard of various dignitaries that get to have an audience with the Pope. Indeed, many people might feel that they could never have a Papal visit, but the fact is that it is indeed possible for the average individual to have an audience with the Pope. Here is how a tourist to Rome can secure an audience with the Pope.

The Pope allows for Wednesday visits in St. Peter's square. If a tourist wants to visit with him, they must get tickets first. Tourists will be glad to know that these tickets are free. The Pope begins his Wednesday open air speech at 10:30am. The speech included a reading of a biblical passage. Then the Pope will give a commentary on the scripture that he just read. People from all over the world vie to see him give this reading, as this is the closest that they will ever come to having an audience with the Pope. If tourists can't make it to the Wednesday audience, then they can stop to hear him read from his apartment window on Sundays at 12pm. Tickets are not required for this event.

The reason why it's so important for people who come from all over the world to have an audience with the Pope is because he is the head of the Catholic church. That is to say that Catholics believe that the Pope is the living representative of God himself. As such, millions of people feel that it's an honor to have an audience with the Pope. They will feel as if they are standing on holy ground when they attend a Papal biblical reading. People who attend the Wednesday audience at St. Peter's are announced in groups according to their home countries. A cleric will announce the countries that are represented in the square, and the Pope will speak to them for a bit in their native language. These events can resemble football tournaments, because people roar and cheer when their country is being recognized.

If tourists would like to have an audience with the Pope, then they should write to the Bishop's Office of Papal Events. One must make a written request for tickets in order to see the Pope. A handwritten letter or an email will suffice. A tourist must give two weeks notice in order to gain an audience with the Pope. Wedding tourist who might be in Rome honeymooning will gain a special treat. If they wear their wedding clothes to a Papal biblical reading, then the Pope will give the newlyweds a special blessing for their new marriage. It's extremely important that tourists ensure with the Bishop's office that they are able to book a Wednesday audience,before they travel to Rome. The Pope doesn't perform Wednesday biblical readings in the middle of the summer, as Rome gets very hot. Also, there might be some Wednesdays that are blocked off, or might not be available because the Pope is away.

Tourists who travel to Rome to see the Pope should also note that the tickets won't be sent via postal mail. They must be picked up at a specific location. Some people send off requests for tickets on their own and some go through a third party in order to obtain Papal tickets. Tourists should beware of anyone who charges them a fee, because Papal audience tickets are free.