Pope Francis Has Died: The Traveler’s 2-Week Survival Guide to Rome & the Vatican

Updated April 29, 2025 with info about the Conclave: Go to Section about Conclave.

The death of Pope Francis, which occurred on April 21, 2025, marks the end of a deeply transformative era in the Catholic Church. For travelers, pilgrims, and curious onlookers, his funeral and the days that follow offer a rare chance to witness living history unfold in the heart of Rome. From the nine days of mourning to the ceremonial election of the next pope, this guide covers what to expect, what will be affected, and how to navigate Rome with awareness, respect, and cultural understanding.

Whether you’re planning a trip that overlaps with these events or adjusting your itinerary last minute, here’s everything you need to know to move through this sacred moment thoughtfully and smoothly.

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Key Dates & Vatican Access: What to Know

Source: Vatican News

What day is Pope Francis’ funeral?

The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM CET in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis will lie in state from April 23–25 inside St. Peter’s Basilica, with visiting hours between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Location: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City

Security: Multiple checkpoints will be active. Bring ID, avoid backpacks, and dress modestly.

How to Watch the Funeral

In person: Large screens will be set up along Via della Conciliazione.

Online/TV: Vatican Media YouTube, EWTN, RAI 1, and major global news networks.

Time zones:

• Rome: 10:00 AM CET
• New York: 4:00 AM ET
• Los Angeles: 1:00 AM PT

Will the Pope Be Embalmed?

While Pope John Paul II was not embalmed, Pope Francis underwent minimal embalming and cosmetic preparation to allow for public viewing during Rome’s warm spring days. According to France 24, technicians used “light embalming techniques and cosmetic work to maintain a serene expression” throughout the three-day lying in state.

Funeral protocol: The Vatican generally avoids traditional embalming, favoring a more natural approach, but allowances are made for extended public viewing when needed.

Papal Burial Traditions: Why Three Coffins?

Popes are traditionally buried in three nested coffins, each symbolizing a different spiritual value:

Francis reportedly requested a simplified burial, in keeping with his lifelong commitment to modesty.

Source: Catholic News Agency

Where Will Pope Francis Be Buried?

In a break from tradition, Pope Francis is expected to be buried outside the Vatican walls, honoring his personal wish for humility and closeness to the people. His chosen resting place is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), one of the four major basilicas of Rome and a site deeply significant to his papacy.

In his final testament, Francis requested to be buried “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration” with only his papal name in Latin — Franciscus — inscribed.

St. Mary Major, located about 4 km from the Vatican, was a place of profound personal devotion for Pope Francis. He prayed there before and after every international trip, reflecting his deep Marian devotion. This choice also makes him the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican.

Source: Reuters

The Ritual of Mourning: What Is Novemdiales?

The Novemdiales is a nine-day mourning period following the funeral. Each day features a Mass in remembrance, both in Vatican City and major Roman churches.

Travelers can observe or attend many of these Masses. Expect a contemplative atmosphere and high participation from global pilgrims.

Tip: Visit churches like Santa Maria Maggiore or San Giovanni in Laterano for alternate experiences outside the Vatican.

What Happens to the Fisherman’s Ring?

After a pope dies, his Fisherman’s Ring is broken with a silver hammer to prevent forged documents. This tradition dates back centuries and signals the end of papal authority.

Symbolism: The destruction of the ring marks the beginning of the interregnum (sede vacante).

Will Vatican Tours Be Cancelled?

Many areas will remain open, but expect the following impacts:

• St. Peter’s Basilica: Closed April 23–26
• St. Peter’s Square: Closed April 26; limited access on other days
• Vatican Museums: Open with modified visitor flow
• Sistine Chapel: Closed during conclave

Tip: Schedule early morning or post-funeral visits. Consider lesser-known churches and museums for quieter experiences.

How Will the Conclave Work?

Roughly 15–20 days after the funeral, cardinals under 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel. They vote in secrecy until a 2/3 majority is reached. Update, the Conclave is scheduled to start on May 7th, 2025. There will be 2 votes that day and 4 votes every day after. The Sistine Chapel is now closed and the Vatican Gardens is restricted so probably closed as well.

Election process:

• Four ballots per day (two in the morning, two in the afternoon)
• Black smoke = no pope, white smoke = new pope
• Expect the smoke to appear around 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM Rome time after each round.

Modern context: Pope Francis appointed about 80% of current electors, suggesting a possible continuation of his theological approach.

Best place to view the smoke: The center of St. Peter’s Square, facing the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, is the best spot to witness the moment the new pope is elected. Screens will be set up for additional visibility, and space fills quickly — arrive early.

Crowd size & security: Authorities estimate over 300,000 people could be in or near Vatican City during the conclave days, especially once white smoke is expected. Security perimeters will be tight, with multiple entry points and ID checks.

What’s closed and what’s open:

• Sistine Chapel: Closed to the public til Mid may.
• Vatican Museums: Open but with limited access around Sistine Chapel.
• St. Peter’s Basilica & Square: Open with controlled access, especially May 6–8.
• Via della Conciliazione & Borgo Pio: May have security closures during smoke announcements.

Tips:

• Arrive by 10 AM if you want a good viewing spot in the square.
• Use Ottaviano Metro Station and walk, avoiding street closures near Vatican walls.

Film reference: The recent film Conclave explores this process through a dramatic lens.

How Will This Affect Jubilee Year 2025?

2025 is a Holy Year of Jubilee, and Pope Francis had planned an ambitious calendar of pilgrimages and Masses.

While April and early May events may be rescheduled, the Vatican has stated that the Jubilee Year will continue as planned once the mourning period and conclave conclude.

Jubilee site: iubilaeum2025.va

Alternatives for Travelers: What to Do in Rome During the Funeral

Even with closures, there are plenty of meaningful, respectful ways to experience Rome:

1. Walk the Appian Way early in the morning
2. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere for evening vespers
3. Reflect in the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)
4. Tour San Clemente, a multi-layered basilica
5. Discover hidden chapels in Monti or Campo de’ Fiori
6. Sip coffee at Sant’Eustachio and watch pilgrims pass by

Final Travel Tips for Navigating Rome Right Now

• Bring passport and ID for Vatican zones
• Dress conservatively (covered shoulders and knees)
• Avoid large bags and metal water bottles
• Expect delays and practice patience
• Book restaurants and tickets in advance

Rome is not closed — it is pausing to breathe, remember, and honor.

Closing Thoughts

In a city layered with centuries of faith and tradition, moments like this bring that legacy into full view. Whether you are Catholic or simply drawn to the weight of history, Rome during a papal transition is something extraordinary.

If you’re planning a trip during this time, walk gently, witness respectfully, and let this moment guide your journey.

See you under the white smoke.
Fuse