Nobody knows how long the Vatican’s retail business with the outside world will remain cash-only.  The Holy See’s pharmacy, which is much used by ordinary Romans, is also now cash-only.  Fortunately, pilgrims need not worry, at least until November 21st. This date marks the end of the Annus Fidei, the year of faith, during which they can visit the Vatican for nothing. And no earthly power will be able to stop them: instead of cards or cash, they just have to show a document issued by a parish or other ecclesiastical authority attesting to their pilgrimage.  If you need cash when you are visiting the Vatican, the ATM machines are in Latin.  Article