To go to a general audience at the Vatican when I’m not religious?

[iknewitiknewyou]

I’m on holiday in Rome soon and happen to have booked a lot of excursions near the Vatican on a Wednesday. I signed up for a ticket to the audience and got one.

I am not religious, but feel a deep connection to Christianity. I have always found that churches bring me peace and I want to believe, so badly, but struggle. My nan was very religious and religious spaces always make me feel close to her now she’s passed.

I was telling a colleague about it and she was horrified that I would want to go when I’m not religious, and said I’d “taken a ticket from someone who believes”. AIBU to go?

do whatever

And your colleague really was “horrified” or are you perhaps being a touch hyperbolic here?

She religious and was genuinely angry that I would go.

Im a pagan but Id still love to go and see the vatican. Just go you'll love it.

I doubt she was “genuinely angry” (not least because it’s not every Christian!) . And even if she was…. Then channel your backbone and shrug it off

I’m religious and don’t give a shit if irreligious or people of other religions go to church services. Tbh I’m glad as they may see the glory of God and get to know Jesus whilst there!

They're available to all. That's the point of them.

Ignore her. Go at least it will be memorable.

Do go, to anyone that is unchristian enough to object, just remind them of the parable of the prodigal son.

Of course you should go. I am pretty sure that Pope Leo would welcome both believers and non-believers.

I went to one years ago, and it was a great experience, very much a festive and joyful vibe.

Your friend can’t be that religious if she is so judgemental about this. I am not a Catholic but I think the current Pope is great and was very pleased to hear of his recent health prognosis.

When you applied for tickets were you asked if you were a practising Catholic and to provide evidence? Of course not, everyone is welcome. I was there in Jubilee Year 2025 and while yes, there were lots of pilgrims from all over the world, everyone was welcome.

It was an amazing experience and very well organised although it was quite packed. Don't give it another thought, go and enjoy the occasion. Pope Leo is also HOS of the Vatican so look on it as seeing him as that if it works better for you!

It is an experience not to be missed, whether you are religious or not.

You don't have to believe in the tenets of a religion to feel a spiritual connection with the sacred spaces and the ritual. You’ll enjoy the experience.

I did this and I'm certainly not religious, let alone a huge fan of the Catholic church. Your friend was being a bit silly.

I'd go, and I'm an avowed atheist.

I'm a practicing Catholic and I say you should definitely go. If you and I went head to head for a ticket and you got it I'd consider that perfectly fair and God's Will 😁

I've been and I am neither Catholic nor religious. I found it really interesting to watch what was going on and who was there.

The one I went to was absolutely packed. So go early, and if you don't like big crowds, it may not be a good place to be.

I mean its the Vatican
Even if your atheist i would go just for the experience.