Determine how you want to plan your visit: you may either arrange it yourself or arrange it through a tour company. Planning it yourself will take more effort but will save you money in the long run.
Book a tour with a company if you choose not to do it on your own (see Resources). There are many tour companies available that can organize a papal audience. The advantages to using a tour company are that you will have a guaranteed place in the audience, and they can arrange transportation to and from the event.
Begin the plans. Either contact the Church of Santa Susanna or go directly through the Vatican (see Resources). If you are planning on going with a large group, then contacting the Vatican is probably the best choice. Contact your chosen site and follow the directions for submitting an application. You will most likely be asked to provide a copy of your passport and one for each group member. A letter from your local priest or bishop may be helpful in obtaining tickets on your own.
Submit the request several months prior to the scheduled vacation since it may take time for the Vatican to accept your request. There are many applications for a papal audience, and they are sometimes selective.
Arrange travel to Rome once your request is accepted. Pick up the audience tickets on the morning prior to the audience, ceremony or Mass at the Casa Santa Maria between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Casa Santa Maria address: Via dell'Umilta 30, 00187 Rome, Italy. Telephone: 011 39 6 690. 011; Fax: 011 39 6 679.1488; email: [email protected].
Take a cab or public transportation to St. Peter's Square at least 2 hours early for the papal audience, to ensure that you get a good seat.
