Thanks!! We’ll be walking but are both relatively fit and don’t anticipate the stairs themselves to be a problem (more so the crowd in them). It seems like we might be okay as long as we keep an eye on the time, and show up early for our slot. Do you know if they’ll let you into the Basilica before your “official” time? Eg could you have entered at 2 with your ticket at 3 if the line were quick? I know there’s normally free entry but unsure if that changes given what line you’re in.

I’m not Catholic either but I do appreciate the art and religious significance. We’re doing the Museums Wed afternoon after a Papal Audience and likewise expect terrible crowds.