The Vatican City, a significant part of Catholicism, hosts the annual Easter Mass, attracting pilgrims and visitors worldwide. This sacred event, a cornerstone of Christian tradition, is a must-visit for spiritual enrichment and a deeper connection to Christianity’s roots.

Despite the crowds, the museum and Sistine Chapel are closed on Easter Sunday, requiring advance planning.

The Pope is the leader of a significant Easter custom in Vatican City called the Via Crucis, or the Way of the Cross. It reenacts the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and follows his path to Calvary. Thousands of pilgrims reflect on Christ’s suffering and atonement as they pass through the stations, strengthening their ties to the Christian religion and promoting contemplation.

A rare chance for spiritual development, Papal Audiences, which take place in the Vatican throughout Easter week, draw pilgrims and guests to St. Peter’s Square in search of spiritual advice and a chance to interact with the head of the Catholic Church.

A solemn procession headed by the Pope traverses the Via Crucis on Good Friday, meditating on the agony and sacrifice of the Christ, as well as Jesus’ trip to Calvary.

The Paschal candle is lit, scriptures are read, and the Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter Vigil, a Vatican ceremony that takes place on Holy Saturday night and represents the expectation of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ.

Experience the Pope’s performance at St. Peter’s Square and participate in weekly prayers with tickets to the Papal audience. Learn about the papacy’s history and traditions from an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide. Start your morning with an Italian breakfast and visit Emperor Hadrian’s tomb at Castel Sant’Angelo. Enhance your visit with a guided tour of the basilica and Michelangelo’s Pieta.

You need to see Easter through the eyes of the Holy see. The Papal Audience, as the tourists to the Vatican city are called, adhere to some tips while touring the Holy see during Easter.

Ever wished you could have seen the Pope in person? One fantastic chance to do this is during the Papal Audience. Every Wednesday, the Pope welcomes and speaks to pilgrims from all around the world in St. Peter’s Square. Around St. Peter’s Square, the Pope welcomes and speaks to a crowd of Christian pilgrims, followers, and motivated guests. The Pope uses the Papal Audience as a means of communicating directly with his flock and bolstering their faith with his teachings.

The concluding prayer and the bestowal of papal blessings are conducted after the pope reads a passage and gives a brief lecture. Although brief descriptions are offered in English and other languages, these are presented in Italian. The General Public was introduced as early as 1939 with the intentions of making it a prayer session for only couples. The prayer program for newly married couples, temporarily suspended during WWII, resumed under Pope Paul VI in 1963, to include all visitors, focusing on themes like hope, faith, and charity weekly.

During the Papal Audience, the Pope is known to personally interact with the crowds, shaking hands with them and even signing autographs.

Papal Viewing Tips
• Best seats are in front row or aisle for better proximity.
• Free papal viewing available.
• Facilities include wheelchair and pram/stroller accessibility.
• Available in English and Spanish.
• Dress code: no shorts or sleeveless tops, covered knees and shoulders.
• Non-compliance may result in entry refusal.