Easter Monday in Vatican City
Easter Monday falls on the Monday after Easter Sunday and is listed as a public holiday in Vatican City’s calendar. Its local character is closely tied to the Holy See’s Easter liturgy: the Pope has led the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square on the day, within the Church’s Easter Octave.[1]
A day in the Easter Octave
For Catholics, Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. Easter Monday continues that celebration during the Easter Octave, the eight-day period in which the Church marks the Resurrection. Pope Leo XIV described Easter Monday and the days of the Octave as a continuing celebration of Christ’s Resurrection in his Regina Caeli address from St. Peter’s Square.[1]
The holiday’s religious meaning is shared with Christians elsewhere; its distinctive Vatican setting comes from the Pope’s public Easter prayer and the presence of the Holy See’s institutions in the city-state.[1]
Prayer in St. Peter’s Square
A papal Regina Caeli is a documented Easter Monday observance in Vatican City. In an address delivered from St. Peter’s Square, the Pope welcomed pilgrims from Italy and other countries after the prayer and offered Easter greetings.[1]
The Regina Caeli is also part of a wider Easter practice: Pope Francis explained that it replaces the Angelus during Easter time. That address links the prayer to the Resurrection and Easter joy, rather than to a specifically Vatican folk custom.[2]
Closures and visitor planning
The Vatican Museums’ published calendar marks Easter Monday as a closure day in its schedules. The Museums’ general information page also lists closure dates and opening hours; check the official schedule before planning a visit, since the calendar is published for specific periods.[3]
Visitors should check the relevant institution or transport operator directly.
Frequently asked questions
When is Easter Monday in Vatican City?
It is the Monday after Easter Sunday, so its date changes each year. The Vatican Museums publish closure calendars for specific periods, while Vatican City’s holiday calendar lists it as a public holiday.[3]
Can visitors attend a papal prayer on Easter Monday?
A Regina Caeli prayer has been held in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Monday, with pilgrims welcomed afterward.[1]
Are the Vatican Museums open?
The Museums’ published calendar marks Easter Monday as a closure day. Check the Museums’ official opening and closure information for the relevant schedule before visiting.[3]
What should visitors check before travelling or visiting offices?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Vatican City:
- Regina Caeli, 6 April 2026, Easter Monday- Holy See Press Office
- Regina Caeli, 21 April 2014, Easter Monday- Holy See Press Office
- Days & Hours of closure- Vatican Museums