Religious Highlights of The Vatican

Many events in a person's life are based on religious ceremonies. Special occasions such as the marriage between a man and a woman, a wedding anniversary, the christening of a baby, and the first communion of children are all times when individuals seek holy acknowledgement. For this reason, the Pope offers blessings but the requirements change depending on the reigning Pope. The blessings are a privilege and not everyone is entitled to receive one because they make a request.

Wedding Blessings - A wedding blessing from the Pope may come in one of two ways. The couple may request a simple telegram or they may request the blessing on parchment paper. The second method is more common and it comes beautifully handwritten in calligraphy with hand painted sketches of the Vatican. Further, the couple is not required to order the certificate personally. Those wishing to send a special gift to the couple may order the Apostolic Blessing. If the newlywed couple is in Rome within two months after their wedding, they may order special tickets to attend a Papal Audience.

Weekly Papal Audiences and Blessings - Presently the Pope holds an audience every Wednesday morning at which time he blesses the crowd. In order to attend, tickets and proper attire are required. The guards are very strict and no one will be permitted entrance wearing a skirt above the knee line, a halter top, sleeveless top, bare shoulders, or shorts.



Holy Times throughout the year such as Christmas and Easter are probably the most emotional times to visit the Vatican for Catholics. Mass pilgrimages of worshippers make their way to Vatican City. In addition to the weekly papal audiences, the Pope holds masses on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday. On Sundays, the Pope gives his blessing from the window of his study.

In addition to the blessings, other religious highlights of the Vatican are focused on church and school choirs. They may request to sing for the pope, each choir accorded one-half minute of singing time. Also, groups of Pilgrims such as church members, school children and other organizations may be publicly announced at the Papal Audience.

Further, there is the opportunity to attend daily masses at the Papal Basilicas including the Basilica of Saint Peters, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Lastly, if the Pope is offering a special liturgy or blessing, it is important to watch the websites to determine if there is anything available to attend. And when you do visit, there will be small vials of water that have been blessed by the Pope to take home.

Views of The Vatican

Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palaces Vatican Museum St. Peters Square Sistine Chapel

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