If the pastry shops have been showcasing the famous Easter doves for several weeks, the festivities officially began on Palm Sunday. Life in Rome will be punctuated by the sound of bells until next Monday. Although papal services are already almost full, French pilgrims have the opportunity to attend masses in French churches.
Religious events and services in Rome at Easter
Thursday, April 2, Pope Leo XIV will bless the holy oils during the Chrism Mass celebrated at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The sovereign pontiff is then expected for the “Lord’s Supper” mass at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which he will officiate at the end of the day.
Messe chrismale At 9:30 a.m. Saint Peter’s Basilica. Mass of “the Lord’s Supper” at 5:30 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. Reservation online necessary.
Mass at the Saint-Louis des Français church at 7:00 p.m. and at the Trinité-des-Monts at 8:30 p.m.
Friday April 3, Good Friday, which corresponds in the Catholic faith to the crucifixion of Christ, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Holy Week. At the end of the afternoon, the “Passion of the Lord” will be celebrated at the Papal Chapel of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Then, the Holy Father will leave the Colosseum for the traditional “Way of the Cross” at the end of which he will pronounce the apostolic blessing. Many faithful come each year to attend this procession.
Célébration de la « Passion du Christ » à la Chapelle papale, Basilique Saint-Pierre à 17h00. Réservation online necessary. “Station of the Cross” departing from the Colosseum at 9:15 p.m. without reservation.
At the Saint-Louis des Français church as well as at the Trinité-des-Monts, the “Station of the Cross” will be followed by a service.
“Station of the Cross” at 3:00 p.m. followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. at the Saint-Louis des Français church. “Station of the Cross” at 12:00 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m. at Trinité-des-Monts.
The next day, Saturday April 4, in the Christian faith located between the death of Christ and his resurrection, is a time of contemplation. At nightfall, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Easter Vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Veillée pascale à 21h00 à la Basilique Saint-Pierre. Réservation online necessary.
Easter vigil at 8:00 p.m. at the Saint-Louis des Français church and at 9:00 p.m. at Trinité-des-Monts.
Easter Sunday is the high point of the festivities. It celebrates, in the Catholic religion, the resurrection of Christ. On the morning of April 5, Pope Leo XIV will officiate in Saint Peter’s Square. In front of thousands of faithful, the sovereign pontiff will bless the world and the eternal city with the famous Latin phrase “Urbi et Orbi” from the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Mass at 10:15 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square followed by the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing at 12 p.m. from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. No reservation.
Religious services will also take place in four of the five French churches. No mass will take place at the Saint-Yves des Bretons church.
Mass at the Trinité-des-Monts at 9:30 a.m., at the Saint-Claude des Bourguignons church at 10:00 a.m., at the Saint-Louis des Français church at 10:30 a.m. and at the Saint-Nicolas des Lorrains church at 11:00 a.m.
Online reservations are required for general audiences and liturgical celebrations of Pope Leo XIV with the exception of the “Station of the Cross” and Easter Sunday mass. Useful information on the website of the Saint-Louis des Français pilgrims reception center.
Â
Cultural events and site closures during Easter festivities in Rome
Easter Monday, or Lunedì dell’Angelois a holiday in Italy. Although most cultural sites remain open, closures are still to be expected. The Easter weekend also offers great opportunities for visits.
Closures and restrictions
The Vatican Museums as well as the Sistine Chapel will remain closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. Religious services at St. Peter’s Basilica will also condition access to visitors.  The Basilica will be closed to the public during the papal mass on Easter Sunday.
Friday, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill and the The Golden House of Nero will be closed in the afternoon in order to prepare the “Station of the Cross” of Pope Leo XIV.
Last entry into the archaeological park of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum at 12 p.m. Friday April 3. More information on the site internet.
Museums and sites open to visits
Most museums and tourist sites will open throughout the period. The city’s museums, including the Capitoline Museums and Roman Forums, will welcome visitors according to their usual opening hours. It will also be possible to visit Castel Sant’Angelo and the Borghese Gallery during their normal opening hours.
First Sunday of the month: free museums
Easter this year coincides with the first Sunday of the month. In Rome, many archaeological sites and museums can be visited free of charge on this occasion. The Colosseum archaeological park, the Capitoline museums and the Pantheon are participating in the initiative.
