Vatican Announces November 2026 Papal Masses and Basilica Anniversary
Vatican City has released its official November 2026 papal calendar, adding a series of Masses, three general audiences and Pope Leo XIV’s twelve‑day apostolic journey to South America, plus the fourth‑centenary celebration of St Peter’s Basilica. The schedule was published on 27 October 2026 and applies to pilgrims, religious tour operators and international visitors planning trips to the Holy See.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Official November 2026 papal calendar adds Masses, audiences, a South America trip and a basilica anniversary
- Timing
- Published 27 October 2026 for events throughout November 2026
- Who is affected
- Pilgrims, religious tour operators and international visitors to Vatican City
The details
- Announced by
- Holy See Press Office
- Takes effect
- 27 October 2026
- New rule
- The Vatican’s liturgical calendar now lists specific papal Masses, general audiences and a historic basilica anniversary for November 2026.
Announcement and purpose
On 27 October 2026 the Holy See Press Office published the official liturgical calendar for November 2026. The release outlines the Pope’s public liturgical duties, special commemorations and an overseas apostolic journey, providing a clear framework for pilgrims and religious tour operators planning visits to the Holy See during that month.
Key dates and venues
The calendar specifies eight confirmed events, each with a date, time and location. These entries guide visitors on when and where papal celebrations will occur, distinguishing between venues inside Vatican City and sites elsewhere in Rome.
- 2 November – Mass for the faithful departed, 16:00, Verano Cemetery, Rome
- 5 November – Memorial Mass for deceased cardinals and bishops, 09:00, St Peter’s Basilica
- 6–17 November – Apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru
- 18 November – Fourth‑centenary dedication Mass, 17:00, St Peter’s Basilica
- 4, 18, 25 November – General audiences, 10:00, Vatican City
- 27 November – Miraculous Medal Mass, 17:00, venue to be confirmed
- 29 November – First Sunday of Advent Mass, 17:00, venue to be confirmed
Implications for pilgrims and travel planning
The Pope’s absence from Rome between 6 and 17 November means that regular Wednesday audiences will not be held during that period. Pilgrims should therefore schedule attendance at the remaining audiences or at the major Masses on 5 and 18 November. Security and access arrangements for each venue may differ, so travelers are advised to verify entry procedures in advance.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Pilgrims wanting to attend the 2 November Mass at Verano Cemetery must travel to Rome that day.
- Visitors planning to be present for the 5 November Memorial Mass should check St Peter’s Basilica opening hours.
- Those hoping to see the Pope in Rome need to note his absence from 6 to 17 November during the South America journey.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are announced for attending any of the listed papal events.
- Travelers should verify any required security passes or tickets with Vatican authorities before arrival.
- Standard visa and travel document requirements remain unchanged for entry to Italy.
What you need to do
- Consult the Holy See Press Office website for any updates on venue access or security procedures.
- Book accommodation early for 5 November and 18 November, the dates with major Masses.
- Align travel itineraries with the Pope’s overseas trip dates to avoid missing scheduled audiences.
Who this affects
-
Pilgrims attending papal Masses
The calendar lists specific Masses in Rome and Vatican City for November 2026.
What to do Plan travel to the listed dates and venues and check access requirements.
-
Religious tour operators
The schedule provides fixed dates for major liturgical events that shape pilgrimage itineraries.
What to do Adjust tour programs to include or avoid the Pope’s overseas trip period.
-
Visitors attending general audiences
Three general audiences are scheduled on 4, 18 and 25 November.
What to do Arrange arrival in Vatican City to be present at the announced times.
-
Pilgrims interested in the 400‑year Basilica anniversary
A special Mass marking the fourth centenary of St Peter’s Basilica is set for 18 November.
What to do Attend the anniversary Mass and consider the coinciding general audience.
-
Travelers following Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey
The Pope will be abroad from 6 to 17 November, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
What to do Note the Pope’s absence from Rome when planning visits to papal events during that window.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pope Leo XIV traveling to South America in November 2026?
Pope Leo XIV will be on an apostolic journey from 6 November to 17 November 2026, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru during that period.
What papal Masses are scheduled in Vatican City in November 2026?
The Vatican calendar lists a Memorial Mass for deceased cardinals and bishops on 5 November at 09:00 and a fourth‑centenary dedication Mass on 18 November at 17:00, both held in St Peter’s Basilica.
Can I attend the Mass at Verano Cemetery on 2 November 2026?
Yes, a Mass for the faithful departed is confirmed for 2 November 2026 at 16:00 in Rome’s Verano Cemetery, and visitors should arrange transport to that location.
What dates are the general audiences in November 2026?
General audiences with the Pope are scheduled for 4 November, 18 November and 25 November 2026, each beginning at 10:00 local time.
How does the Pope’s overseas trip affect Vatican visits in mid‑November?
During the 6‑17 November apostolic journey the Pope will be absent from Rome, so regular Wednesday audiences will not occur and pilgrims should plan around this gap.
