法王レオ14世とエキスパート現地ガイドによる法王謁見

Even though Papal Audience tickets are 100% free, it was well worth going through a tour company to organize the experience, make sure we had seats, and help us know what to expect. Our tour guide, Barbara, was excellent! There is a lot of chaos as you enter Vatican City and try to find your place in line. She kept our group together and made sure no one muscled their way in front of us. Throughout the wait, she educated us about the history of the Vatican and Rome overall. To me, this was another valuable part of paying for the tour. If we had done this on our own, we would have simply been standing in the hot sun waiting to move along, without learning anything about why we were there. Barbara told us that we were incredibly lucky because, due to the heat, the Papal Audience was going to be held inside St. Peter’s Basilica that day, which was very unusual. She made sure we got great seats, right near the barrier, accounted for everyone in our group, and then left us to enjoy the ceremony. When Pope Leo entered the Basilica, my husband and I were just inches away from him as he greeted everyone. It was absolutely amazing! Overall, this was an incredible experience, and having Barbara there to guide us through the process made it even more memorable. I would definitely recommend taking a tour rather than trying to navigate the Papal Audience on your own.

A lot to consider here. If you want to an up-close view of the Pope riding around in his Popemobile (and we did), you need to get there super early, like 7a, and you need a guide to get to the best spot. Maria did all this and more, a terrific guide. You're going to be sitting in direct sun for 3 hours, so be prepared, especially if you have young kids.

This is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Rome. No, you do not have to hire a tour company to gain admission to the papal audience, but doing so will enhance your experience. You will arrive early in the morning, several hours before the Pope appears. This gets you into St. Peter's Square early so you can get premium seats. Except for a couple of sections near the Pope's pergola, the seats are first-come, first-served. The square will fill fast. Our guide, Maria, was very knowledgeable about the history of the audience, St. Peter's Square, and St. Peter's Basilica. If you are doing an audience during the hot months, I recommend an umbrella for shade and lots of water. The Pope's address and blessing take about an hour.

This was our first activity in Rome. It was such a wonderful experience seeing Pope Leo from our great seats! Luisa was a wonderful guide.

Great information , given info that did not know before or was aware of. Answered all questions that were asked. Thank you

It was amazing to be with the papal audience! For our group of 21 (3rd group of citywonders), they were not prepared and run out of headsets for the whole group. It was past the meeting time and we just asked to fall in line already. So it was merely a guide to the entrance. We didn’t have instructions past security so we waked to the square by ourselves.: No history/talks while waiting. For the 10am papal appearance. A bit frustrating purchasing the tour. At least the free entrance tickets got distributed on time…. It would have been better if the staff had the supplies available and more organized. BUt still it’s seeing the pope that mattered. (YOu can actually get the free tickets ahead and come early).

So awe inspiring! I loved the experience. Also his message of peace and understanding. Great experience and our tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Our guide (Sandra?) was very informative and got us to an excellent location to see the pope come pass in the pope mobile before the service. It did mean an early start but worth it.

Is amazing I would definitely recommend it, form beginning to end our tour person explained everything.

The tour was very handy to get in and find seating. I recommend sitting by a railing because that is where the Pope will drive by in the Popemobile. Stage right is shaded and much cooler. Stage left has sun and is warmer. This was all I had hoped for! Must do!