The only reason to go to Rome, was the Papal audience with Papa Francesco, as the Pope is fondly called at the Vatican City. If things return to pre-pandemic times in the future and the Papal audience may restart again then plan your visit in advance as dates of the Papal Audience is given online. Usually, one had to get passes for Papal audiences though I think all are allowed in any way, in a different enclosure. Go early as it is a long walk plus a security check.
There is a chance to see the Pope up-close as he goes around in the Pope mobile before he addresses the audience. Though we had tickets for seats closer to the stage, a kind policeman advised me to forgo the seats and to go instead to a sort of an enclosed square as the Pope actually goes around it in the Pope mobile. As the Pope mobile goes around the square very slowly one can actually see him not only up close but also for a longer time. The policeman was not wrong and I was grateful for his advice.
The Pope’s address is accompanied with his blessings on the person and also any religious items have carried along (please do consider buying rosaries at home itself as a simple rosary costs at least one euro from the street stalls there). There are massive crowds everywhere on the day of the Papal audience so hold on to your kids tight while moving around. For a visit to the St. Peter’s Basilica, you have to wait quite a while post the Papal audience. Entry is very strict with a dress code. Believe me on this! The Swiss guards become the point of cameras focus as they really remind one of fairy stories with their colourful attire.
I would suggest also avoid visiting the Musei Vaticini on this day as it was just too crowded and one has to jostle while moving along the long narrow corridors. We literally went in the opposite direction of the crowd for some breathing space. One just cannot enjoy anything with hordes of people literally carrying you while they walk around. I did not think it was too interesting for the children as well, except for the Sistine Chapel and the painting of the Creation of Adam. But it is quite small up there on the high ceiling, competing with so many other artistic works in the dark chapel. No bright light or camera flashes are permitted in order to protect the artistic treasure. I somehow pictured something large and majestic across the entire ceiling of the chapel, so that painting in particular was a bit of a let down for me.
