In order to make entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica quicker and easier for those wishing to pray and participate in the Sacraments, with the collaboration of the “Vatican” Italian Inspectorate of Public Security, the Governorate and the Vatican Gendarmerie, a new gate dedicated to pilgrims and those who wish to pray is open in Saint Peter’s Square, ad experimentum.
The path starts from the obelisk in Saint Peter’s Square, and is marked by the sign “Percorso Oranti” (“Prayer Path”). It winds its way inside the Vatican Basilica through the right nave, and enables the most significant locations for spiritual and liturgical life to be reached in a short time: the statue of the Pietà, the Altar of Saint John Paul II, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the Gregorian Chapel with the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the area reserved to penitents for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, up to the Altar of the Cathedra and the Chapel of Saint Joseph for the celebration of Holy Masses. The route, upon reaching the Chapel of Saint Joseph, requires the visitor to leave via the Vatican Grottoes.
The opening hours of the new route are the same as those of the Basilica, every day from 6.50 until 18.40. Admission does not require a ticket. The tourist route also allows a completely free visit to the Basilica and access to the places of liturgical actions through special passages.
The “Prayer Path” allows faithful, prayer groups and pilgrims to come and pray in Saint Peter’s Basilica and to participate in the sacraments easily, without waiting in a long line. In keeping with the Holy Father’s wishes, it is thus intended to guarantee pilgrims maximum accessibility to spiritual, liturgical and celebratory life.
This route also welcomes pilgrims engaged in various journeys, who can show their credential letters and collect the “testimonium” parchment, certifying their pilgrimage to the Basilica.