The Holy See Must-see: The Pope's Easter Address
Published by Joe Worthington, Writer
Country: Italy 
The Experience
The Pope's Easter address takes place in Saint Peter's Square outside of the Vatican. It’s an event for both Christians and non-Christians alike, and takes place during the Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. During the address the Pope outlines worldwide issues and suggests how the Catholic religion can be strengthened and unified all around the world. The Pope’s address takes place on the balcony overlooking Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican, and is broadcast in thirty-two countries. During the Pope’s address, the ancient Egyptian obelisk—which was moved to Rome in 37 AD by Emperor Caligula—is completely surrounded by pilgrims and witnesses of the historic address.
Saint Peter's Square was built from 1656–1667 by the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini on the command of Pope Alexander VII. It was built so that people could crowd around and witness the Pope's speeches together as one. This plan is very evident during the Easter address when thousands of pilgrims crowd together to witness it. Pope Alexander's plan worked, and he would be proud to have seen the sight of the crowds of people today.
The ancient Egyptian obelisk once held a metal gilt ball, which during medieval times was reputed to have held the ashes of Julius Caesar. This is untrue, but the ball is now held in the National Museum in Rome.
During the Easter address, the Pope mentions the world events and issues that are causing problems. He talks about how the Catholic Church and religion can be strengthened and brought closer together. In his 2011 speech, he mentioned problems in the Middle East, and the Libyan civil war.
Witnessing the Easter address and blessing really is one of those events that must be done at least once in each person's life. The Pope’s words linger in the minds of everyone for days, weeks, months, even years later, and the world listens. Plus it could be a chance to appear on one of the many TV stations that are filming the event.
During the Easter address there is a set routine that is followed. The crowds arrive and wait within Saint Peter's Square, and everyone is given a hymn leaflet. The first hymn is sung, the Pope then appears on his balcony and gives his speech, and then he blesses the Catholic followers whilst hymns are sung.
The event is fairly straightforward, and each and every Easter address is very different in terms of content.
After the Easter address, The Vatican, the surrounding areas, and Rome itself has so much more to offer everyone. The many Italian restaurants and attractions should be experienced if you have the time to do so.
So, make sure that you have booked your flight and accommodation for the next Pope's Easter address. Come and witness this unique and historic event, and join the Catholic family when they all join as one!
Saint Peter's Square was built from 1656–1667 by the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini on the command of Pope Alexander VII. It was built so that people could crowd around and witness the Pope's speeches together as one. This plan is very evident during the Easter address when thousands of pilgrims crowd together to witness it. Pope Alexander's plan worked, and he would be proud to have seen the sight of the crowds of people today.
The ancient Egyptian obelisk once held a metal gilt ball, which during medieval times was reputed to have held the ashes of Julius Caesar. This is untrue, but the ball is now held in the National Museum in Rome.
During the Easter address, the Pope mentions the world events and issues that are causing problems. He talks about how the Catholic Church and religion can be strengthened and brought closer together. In his 2011 speech, he mentioned problems in the Middle East, and the Libyan civil war.
Witnessing the Easter address and blessing really is one of those events that must be done at least once in each person's life. The Pope’s words linger in the minds of everyone for days, weeks, months, even years later, and the world listens. Plus it could be a chance to appear on one of the many TV stations that are filming the event.
During the Easter address there is a set routine that is followed. The crowds arrive and wait within Saint Peter's Square, and everyone is given a hymn leaflet. The first hymn is sung, the Pope then appears on his balcony and gives his speech, and then he blesses the Catholic followers whilst hymns are sung.
The event is fairly straightforward, and each and every Easter address is very different in terms of content.
After the Easter address, The Vatican, the surrounding areas, and Rome itself has so much more to offer everyone. The many Italian restaurants and attractions should be experienced if you have the time to do so.
So, make sure that you have booked your flight and accommodation for the next Pope's Easter address. Come and witness this unique and historic event, and join the Catholic family when they all join as one!
When to Go to Pope Easter Address
Obviously the Holy See and St Peter's Square can be visited at any time of the year, but during the Easter address the place really comes to life, with thousands of pilgrims attending
Odds n' Ends
The total cost of making the pilgrimage to witness or take part in the Pope's Easter address really depends on how much you are prepared to spend. Accommodation and restaurant costs vary greatly all around the Vatican and the Holy See, of which many can be found for low prices on websites such as www.romehotels.org and the like.
Cultural guidelines for clothing and conduct revolve around the Catholic religion and culture. Men and women must make sure their arms, legs and shoulders are covered at all times. You must not wear any offensive clothing, or clothing from any other religions during the Easter address.
Cultural guidelines for clothing and conduct revolve around the Catholic religion and culture. Men and women must make sure their arms, legs and shoulders are covered at all times. You must not wear any offensive clothing, or clothing from any other religions during the Easter address.
Places to Eat
- Piacere Molise
- "Piacere Molise" was opened on 16th June 2001 by Franco Ricci, chef and restauranteur from 1963. Born in Pietrabbondante, a small town in Molise, and moved to Rome when he was very young, after years' experience shared with his brothers, Franco decided to start his own work, together with his wife Angela and his son Mauro. In a warm and familiar atmosphere revived by the freshness and the cheerfulness of the two other daughters Fabiana and Ilaria, the chef proposes all traditional roman plates and a wide selection of genuine tastes and typical food from Molise.
Recommended Places to Stay
- St George Roma
- St. George Roma is located in central Rome, close to Palazzo Crivelli, St. Peter's Basilica, and Piazza Navona. Nearby points of interest also include Pantheon and Roman Forum. St. George Roma features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel serves a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning in the restaurant. Recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness facility. The property's full-service health spa has body treatments, facials, and beauty services. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. Concierge services and limo/town car service are available. Additional property amenities include a library, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. There are 64 guestrooms at St. George Roma. Bathrooms feature phones, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and bathrobes. Wired high-speed Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks and in-room safes (accommodate laptops), guestrooms offer direct-dial phones with voice mail. Flat-panel televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. Air-conditioned rooms also include minibars and electronic/magnetic keys. Guests may request wake-up calls. Cribs (infant beds) are available on request.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
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- The Sistine Chapel is one of the Vatican's most visited and well-known attractions, and also serves as a venue for important Papal Masses. Papal conclaves—in which the College of Cardinals elects a new Pope—have been held at the Sistine Chapel since 1455, and the first Mass inside the Sistine Chapel was held on 15 August 1483 to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Originally, the Sistine Chapel was known as the Cappella Maggiore, or Greater Chapel. The Chapel was used then, as it is now, for smaller masses not attended by the public. Pope Sixtus IV undertook to restore the ...0 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's
Your knowledgeable guide will escort you into the Vatican Museums to explore the world's most extensive collection of art. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, ...1.41 miles away via Rome.
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Media References
- Catholic Herald (newspaper)
- Full text of the 2011 speech
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