As an example of a pilgrimage or trip that didn’t quite go as planned, I made one major mistake on my last trip to Italy in 2017. Because of that mistake, I want you to know one major tip before you visit the Vatican.
But first! Background. At the end of 2016, I redeemed over 200,000 airline miles earned from going back-and-forth to Japan and redeemed over 600,000 hotel points earned from staying in Japan in order for my parents, my brother, and myself to go on a week-long trip to Italy. While in Italy, we visited Florence, Pisa, Venice, Rome, and the Vatican. Needless to say, it was an action-packed week, and it was amazing. Somewhere in the middle of planning that trip, I accidentally forgot to do the one thing.
My One Big Mistake
I forgot to check the Pope’s schedule!
Usually, he appears in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Wednesdays because that’s when he gives his general audience. This general audience is where the Pope gives a talk and lesson regarding the faith. Oftentimes, after his general audience he’ll do a grand tour of the square in his popemobile giving blessings and kissing babies.
Apparently in July of 2017, he canceled all his Wednesday audiences, and I had no idea until I looked it up during our Italy trip.This was a huge bummer because my parents and bro were looking forward to seeing him.
Lesson Learned
For next time, now I know to check the Pope’s schedule. I know he tends to be busy, especially during the summer.
You can see his Wednesday audience and Sunday Angelus schedule, where he can be publicly seen, here at this link on the Vatican’s website: Calendar
So the next time you plan on visiting the Vatican, check that schedule out before you go!
Bonus points if you can get your baby blessed by the Pope, even if your baby has to crowd surf among strangers and pilgrims.
Do you have any useful visiting-the-Vatican tips?
JR is a full-time engineer working in the aerospace industry. Apart from having such a fly job, he flies unto the arms of Our Lady and the Church pursuing his faith and a relationship with Christ. Over the past several years, faith and flying via pilgrimages became a thing. When he’s not being fly, JR hangs out with family, friends, his chihuahua, and with thoughts of the next trip.