Every pilgrim to Rome arrives carrying something. The Eternal City has been the destination of penitents for seventeen centuries—not merely sightseers, but souls seeking the sacrament of mercy at the tombs of the apostles. The good news for English-speaking pilgrims is that Rome, uniquely among Catholic cities, has built a multilingual confessional infrastructure specifically for international visitors. Confession in English is available every day of the week, often at multiple times and churches simultaneously.
Saint Peter's Basilica
The most comprehensive option. The basilica's confessionals line both sides of the nave and are staffed daily throughout opening hours. Confessionals are clearly marked with language flags—look for the English signs. The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement (based in Rome specifically for this ministry) staff the English confessionals and are known for their availability and pastoral sensitivity. The experience of confessing within sight of Saint Peter's tomb gives the sacrament an unusual depth. No appointment is needed; simply take a place in the queue.
Web vatican.va
Santa Susanna — The American Church
Via XX Settembre 15, 00187 Roma
The national church of American Catholics in Rome, staffed by the Paulist Fathers, is the traditional first stop for American pilgrims. Located near the American Embassy and Termini Station, Santa Susanna has offered English confession to American visitors for generations. Confession is available before and after English Masses.
Web santasusanna.org
San Clemente — Irish Dominican Basilica
Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 108, 00184 Roma
The Basilica of San Clemente has been in the care of Irish Dominican friars since 1677. The community offers confession in English and Irish. The church is itself a major pilgrimage site—three layers of history stacked beneath the present 12th-century basilica, descending through a 4th-century church to a 1st-century Mithraic temple. Pilgrims seeking both the sacrament and the extraordinary archaeology will find both here.
Sant'Isidoro — Irish Franciscan Church
Via degli Artisti 41, 00187 Roma
The Franciscan church founded by Luke Wadding OFM in 1625 for Irish students and exiles continues its ministry to English-speaking pilgrims. The Irish Franciscan community offers confession in English. The church contains the remarkable Ludovisi Chapel designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the tomb of Luke Wadding himself. Near the Via Veneto and Borghese Gardens.
The Pontifical Basilicas — Confession at the Major Altars
Each of Rome's four major papal basilicas maintains confessionals with multilingual priests:
- Saint John Lateran — Franciscan penitentiaries staff the confessionals; English available
- Saint Mary Major — Redemptorist and Franciscan priests; English regularly available
- Saint Paul Outside the Walls — Benedictine monks; English available on request
At each major basilica, the confessionals are located in the nave or side chapels and are marked with language signs. During Jubilee years and major feast days, additional priests are deployed specifically for international pilgrims.
Practical Notes for Pilgrims
What to expect: Roman confession follows the standard Rite of Penance. Kneel (or sit, at many modern confessionals) and begin with "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Priests in Rome are accustomed to pilgrims from every background and every length of time since their last confession.
Anonymity: All confessionals in the major basilicas use the traditional screen. Face-to-face confession is also available at some churches by arrangement.
Spiritual direction: If you are seeking extended spiritual direction rather than sacramental confession, contact the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (pusc.it) or the North American College (pnac.org), both of which can refer English-speaking pilgrims to qualified directors.
The Apostolic Penitentiary: For reserved cases and matters of special gravity, the Apostolic Penitentiary at Saint Peter's Basilica hears confessions of particular complexity. Approach any confessor at Saint Peter's who will direct you appropriately.
The sacrament of confession is always free. No offering is expected or appropriate.
