Attending Mass at St. Peter's at a glance
St. Peter's Basilica is above all a church. From early morning until evening, Masses are celebrated at several altars, and you do not need a ticket to attend them. Most take place at the Altar of St. Joseph in the left transept or at the Altar of the Chair at the far end of the basilica, beneath Bernini's gilded Cathedra Petri.
Papal Masses are different. When the Pope celebrates in the basilica or on the square, you need a free ticket requested in advance, and access for ordinary visitors is restricted.
Mass times in St. Peter's Basilica
The official schedule of the basilica. Times can change on feast days and during papal celebrations.
| Monday – Saturday | Where |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 7:30 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 8:30 am | Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament |
| 9:00 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 10:00 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 11:00 am | Altar of the Chair |
| 12:00 noon | Altar of the Chair |
| 5:00 pm | Altar of the Chair |
| 6:00 pm | Altar of the Chair |
| Sundays & holidays | Where |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 8:00 am | Altar of St. Joseph |
| 9:00 am | Altar of the Chair |
| 9:45 am | Lauds of the Chapter, Choir Chapel |
| 10:30 am | Chapter Mass, Altar of the Chair |
| 12:30 pm | Altar of the Chair |
| 4:00 pm | Altar of the Chair |
| 5:00 pm | Altar of the Chair; Vespers in the Choir Chapel |
| 6:00 pm | Altar of the Chair |
What to expect
Most Masses are celebrated in Italian. At the weekday evening Mass, parts of the liturgy are sung in Latin Gregorian chant, often with a visiting choir. The 10:30 am Sunday Mass is celebrated by the canons of the basilica and is the most solemn of the regular Masses.
After the 8:30 am Mass from Monday to Saturday, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and Eucharistic adoration continues through the day until the evening benediction. The chapel is reserved for prayer: no sightseeing and no photos.
If you come to pray or attend Mass rather than to sightsee, look for the dedicated prayer route, marked with yellow signs, which starts on Via di Porta Angelica. Once you leave the basilica, you re-enter through the standard entrances if you want to visit afterwards.
Vatican tours for the rest of your day
Guided tours of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with live prices and availability.
Papal Masses and the Pope's schedule
The big celebrations of the Church year, and how to attend them.
Free tickets in advance
Papal Masses require a free ticket from the Prefecture of the Papal Household, requested through the same portal as the general audience. Apply weeks ahead for Christmas and Easter.
How to request tickets →Major dates
Christmas, Holy Week and Easter, and the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June are the best-known papal celebrations. The full schedule is published on vatican.va.
Sunday Angelus
At noon on Sundays the Pope prays the Angelus from the window of the Apostolic Palace. No ticket needed, just come to the square.
Visiting on those days
On days with papal celebrations, the basilica can be closed to sightseeing for hours. Check before you plan your visit.
Opening hours →Confession and etiquette
Practical points for worshippers and visitors alike.
Confession
Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 to 7:00 pm, on Sundays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Dress code
Shoulders covered for everyone, long trousers for men, skirts below the knee or trousers for women, no hats.
Vatican dress code →During Mass
Phones on silent, no photos of the celebration, and do not walk through the area where Mass is being said. Arrive a few minutes early to find a seat.
Security
Everyone passes the security check, including worshippers. In the morning it is quick, around midday it can take much longer.
Visiting the basilica →Mass at St. Peter's Basilica: frequently asked questions
Can anyone attend Mass at St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes. Daily Masses are open to everyone and free, without a ticket. Only papal Masses need a free ticket requested in advance.
What time is Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday?
On Sundays and holidays there are Masses at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:30 am, 12:30, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 pm. The 10:30 am Chapter Mass is the main one.
Is Mass at St. Peter's in English?
The regular Masses are mostly in Italian, with parts in Latin. If you need Mass in English, ask at the basilica or check the parishes in Rome that serve English-speaking visitors.
Does the Pope say Mass at St. Peter's every day?
No. The Pope celebrates papal Masses on major feasts and special occasions. His public schedule is published on vatican.va.
Do I need to queue to attend Mass?
You pass the same security check as visitors. For prayer and Mass there is a dedicated route from Via di Porta Angelica, marked with yellow signs.