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Contents
Attending St. Peter's Basilica Holy Mass | A Detailed Guide
St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican is also known for the statues, sculptures and artworks inside. The treasured work of art at Vatican City captures the attention of millions on a yearly basis. But, being one of the holiest sites of Christendom, if you are in town, it makes sense to try and attend a mass.
While for those treating the visit as a pilgrimage celebrating Mass at the Vatican is the ultimate goal, for the tourist crowd, standing in a long line and dealing with large crowds can seem daunting. But, it’s much easier than you think to attend Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. On this page, you can find all the information you need to be able to attend the solemn service.
Where is Mass Held?
St. Peter's Basilica has many altars. The masses are conducted across them. The most common Mass sites are the Altar of St. Joseph (left transept), the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter (apse), and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (right, before the transept).
The basilica also conducts the Sacrament of Penance, also known as confessions. Simply head to the roped-off reconciliation area at the right transept (right to the papal altar). Approach the attendant and inform them of your purpose. The attendant can direct you toward the language of your choice.
St. Peter's Basilica Mass Timings
Weekdays
8:30 AM: At the Blessed Sacrament Chapel; in Italian, with homily, followed by Eucharistic Adoration.
9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM: At the Altar of St. Joseph (Left Transept); in Italian, with homily.
5 PM: At the Altar of the Chair (Cattedra); in Latin, homily in Italian.
Note: Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from Monday to Saturday. The Adoration takes place after the 8:30 AM mass until and held until the Benediction at 4:45 PM.
Sunday and Holy Days
9 AM: At the Altar of the Chair; mass for the Parish, in Italian, with homily.
10:30 AM: At the Altar of the Chair; solemn Mass in Latin, homily in Italian.
11:15 AM: At the Blessed Sacrament Chapel; in Italian, with homily.
12:15 AM: Altar of the Chair; in Italian, with homily.
1 PM: Altar of St. Joseph; in Italian, with homily.
4 PM: At the Altar of the Chair; in Italian, with homily.
4:45 PM: Vespers at the Altar of the Chair; sung in Latin.
5:30 PM: At the Altar of the Chair; in Italian, with homily
Masses with the Pope
Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica
If you plan well enough you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the Pope himself. Regardless of your religious beliefs, catching a glimpse of the Pope while visiting the world’s smallest country is a highlight.
Masses with the Pope are held at St. Peter's Basilica and the St. Peter's Square. Most of the masses from the Pontifical liturgical calendar at are celebrated at St Peters Basilica; however, when a larger number of people are expected to attend the mass, they use St. Peters Square.
Of course, there are a few hurdles to clear. The Pope doesn’t regularly say Mass. Other than Christmas and Easter, it is difficult to know in advance if the Pope will be celebrating mass, so you might have to do your scheduling last minute. The next hurdle is that of acquiring Papal Mass tickets.
To attend a mass with the Pope, you will need to buy a ticket. Tickets are always free. Collect the tickers at least 1 to 3 days before the Mass. For more popular masses such as Christmas or Easter Mass reserve tickets 2 to 6 months in advance.
Of course, you can also attend the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. This is also ticketed, and you can acquire tickets through the same methods as for Papal Masses.
How to Purchase Tickets for Papal Mass
- You can collect them directly from the Swiss Guards at the "Bronze Door" just past the security checkpoint. This means you will have to stand in line and wait for security to find out if tickets are available. Tickets are usually available from 8 AM to 8 PM during the summers and from 8 AM to 7 PM during winter.
- If you need more than 10 tickets, you can request them from the Vatican by downloading the form from Vatican.va and faxing it to the number provided.
- You can reach out to the Prefect of the Pontifical Household that is in charge of distributing tickets for Papal Masses and celebrations. You can get hold of tickets by writing to them at Prefecture of the Papal Household, Vatican City 00120, or, call the office at + 39 06 6988 4857.
- US Visitors Office to the Vatican holds a limited number of tickets for Papal Celebrations for US visitors.
Write to them at Via dell' Umiltá 30, 00187 Rome, call on + 06.6900.1821, or email them at visitorsoffice@pnac.org
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Frequently Asked Questions About Attending St. Peter's Basilica Mass
Q. Can you attend mass in St Peter's Basilica?
A. Peter's Basilica offers mass in Latin and Italian, daily. The entry is free. However, you will need to get your hands on tickets to be able to attend the mass.
Q. Do I have to pay to attend a mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. No, you don't have to pay to attend mass at St. Peter's Basilica. However, you will need to book tickets in advance for the same.
Q. Do I have to follow a dress code to attend mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. Dress Code is very strict at St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors cannot wear shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. To attend mass you have to ensure that you are wearing modest church clothes. This applies to both men and women.
Q. Where does the Pope give Mass?
A. Papal Masses in Vatican City take place inside Saint Peter's Basilica.
Q. When does the Pope say Mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. Apart from the Christmas and Easter mass, there is no way to know if the Pope will be saying mass on a particular day in advance. However, the Papal calendar is often updated on Vatican.va
A. Are mass in English conducted at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. No, they don't conduct mass in English. St. Peter's Basilica functions as an active parish for local Romans. Masses are held in Italian; and one mass is held in Latin daily.
Q. Where in St. Peter's Basilica is mass held?
A. Masses at St. Peter's Basilica is held at the Altar of St. Joseph, the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Q. How long in advance should I book tickets to the mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. Collect tickets 1-3 days before the Mass. For more popular masses such as Christmas or Easter Mass reserve tickets 2 to 6 months in advance.
Q. What time is the mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
A. On weekdays, mass is held at 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM and 5 PM. On Sunday and Holy Days, mass is held at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 4:45 PM and 5:30 PM.
