Enjoy a full spiritual experience with guided assistance. Take part in the Pope's Wednesday audience and learn about Rome's history from your knowledgeable guide.
Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: Spanish, English
Enjoy a full spiritual experience with guided assistance. Take part in the Pope's Wednesday audience and learn about Rome's history from your knowledgeable guide.
About this activityCancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration: 4 hours
Live tour guide: Spanish, English
Experience HighlightsReceive full assistance before and after the Papal Audience
Feel connected to Rome's history as you share a spiritual experience with the Pope
Enjoy a Roman history lesson from your professional guide
After meeting your guide, listen as he illustrates the history of the Holy See and of Rome's popes. Learn about the important details of the magnificent and iconic St. Peter's Square and Basilica.
Follow your guide as he escorts you to your seat for the event. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a spiritual experience with Pope Francis.
Once the event ends, meet your guide so he can give you some more information on your stay in Rome before you head out for the night.
IncludesPapal Audience access
Expert tour guide speaking your selected language
Full assistance
Reserved seat
Food and drinks
Not suitable for Wheelchair users
Meeting pointMeeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
Important informationWhat to bring: Comfortable shoes
Specific seats cannot be reserved
The tour includes a live guide speaking your selected language. However, please note, if you select the English or Italian option, the tour may be carried out in 2 languages at once
Save up to 20% From $36.93 $29.54 per person
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Customer reviews
Overall rating 4.4 /5 based on 231 reviews
The Holy See, often referred to as the Vatican, is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome. It is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and is recognized as an independent sovereign entity. The history of the Holy See is intertwined with the history of Christianity and the papacy.
The term "Holy See" comes from the Latin phrase "Sancta Sedes," which means "Holy Chair" in English. It symbolizes the authority and spiritual leadership of the Pope over the worldwide Catholic community.
Early Origins
The origins of the Holy See can be traced back to the apostolic times when St. Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, is considered the first bishop of Rome. According to Catholic tradition, Jesus appointed Peter as the leader of his followers, and the Bishop of Rome became the spiritual successor of Peter, thus laying the foundation for the papacy.
Development of Papal Authority
Over the centuries, the authority of the Bishop of Rome grew, and the Pope became not only the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church but also a significant political figure. Popes exercised influence over various European monarchs, and the Papal States were established in central Italy, further solidifying the temporal power of the Holy See.
The Vatican City
In 1929, with the Lateran Treaty, the Vatican City State was established as an independent city-state within Rome. This small sovereign territory serves as the residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. The Vatican City is also the smallest independent state in the world both in terms of area and population.
The Second Vatican Council
The 20th century saw significant changes within the Catholic Church with the convening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) from 1962 to 1965. This ecumenical council addressed various aspects of Church life and practice, emphasizing the need for greater engagement with the modern world and promoting ecumenism.
Connecting Spiritually with the Pope
For Catholics around the world, connecting spiritually with the Pope is of paramount importance. The Pope is considered the Vicar of Christ on Earth and is believed to hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Pilgrims from all corners of the globe visit the Vatican City to attend papal audiences, Masses, and other religious ceremonies presided over by the Pope.
FAQs
The Holy See, often referred to as the Vatican, is the central governing body of the Catholic Church, headquartered in Rome. It is recognized as an independent sovereign entity.
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He is considered the successor of St. Peter and holds a position of great authority within the Church.
The Vatican City is an independent city-state within Rome, established as the residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. It is the smallest independent state in the world.
Our tour guide was very kind! Regarding the tour, I believe I could have found a better spot if I had done it myself and saved some money.
I wanted to cancel at the last minute because I couldn't attend. I wanted to see if I could change it for another tour or for another occasion. Thank you.
We arrived late and ended up losing our tickets.
You don't really need the tour. The tickets are free and available anywhere, anytime. It's probably only necessary during peak times, like Easter or Christmas. The guide did share some information about the creation of St. Peter's Basilica, but her English had such a strong accent that I couldn't quite understand her.
This feels like a rip-off. "The guided tour" simply takes people to the entrance of the audience. There's no explanation, no teachings, nothing. Here, you're charged for managing to obtain the tickets at the Vatican office, which are free. That's all.
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