How Pope Francis’ Funeral Will Impact Travel to Rome and Vatican City

Travelers heading to Rome and Vatican City in the coming weeks should expect larger crowds and limited access to major sites as the Vatican prepares for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, and the conclave that will follow.

During the nine-day mourning period known as the novendiale, daily Masses are held at St. Peter’s Basilica in honor of the deceased pope, culminating with the funeral, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. (local time) Saturday, April 26.

Following three days of public viewing in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis’s coffin will be sealed on Friday night (April 25).

After the funeral and burial, the papal conclave will take place, during which cardinal electors will gather to choose the next pope. The conclave is expected to begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death.

How Pope Francis’s Funeral Will Impact Travel

Travel to Rome should not be significantly impacted, but crowds will likely be heavier in and around the city.

More than 50,000 people attended the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in January 2023, according to the Catholic News Agency, and nearly 200,000 mourners paid their respects during the novendiale. That turnout was relatively subdued compared to the more than 4 million who came to Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005.

Authorities expect 130 foreign delegates and up to 200,000 mourners to attend the funeral, and have implemented tightened security within the Vatican in preparation. St Peter’s Square will see increased drone, foot, and horse patrols.

For travelers to Vatican City, the mourning period and conclave will mean major crowds plus limited access to sites. The Sistine Chapel, where the conclave takes place, and the Vatican Museums will be closed to visitors. Public tours will not be available during either the novendiale or the conclave.

Prior to the Pope’s death, the Vatican expected approximately 32 million pilgrims to come to the city in 2025 for the Roman Jubilee (DPA International).

Celebrations for Rome’s Jubilee 2025 will also be suspended during the mourning period but are not expected to be on hold for an extended time.

The rest of the specifics from the Vatican are still up-in-the-air, and several tour companies told TMR that the impact should be more clear over the next week or so.

Reesa Avelino, Director of Product for Goway told TMR that “all shared and private tours will be cancelled and money will be refunded” for tours cancelled due to Saturday’s closure.

“Over the course of the next days, we are awaiting for more news to advise any specific closures. For example, the Sistine Chapel may be closed during conclave as well as St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body will be laid,” Avelino said.

Avelino added that those traveling to Vatican City over the next week should prepare for larger crowds, and heightened security measures, too.

“There will be increased security measures in and around Vatican city, as likely this will draw additional visitors, increase crowds and transportation build ups to/from Vatican city.  The recommended advice is to plan ahead if traveling to the Vatican and stand by for unplanned closures and changes,” Avelino said.

Perillo Tours owner Steve Perillo told TMR that while Jubilee events will pause during the novendiale, they are likely to continue as planned once a new pope is elected. He added that the Vatican is still finalizing visitor access guidelines outside the Sistine Chapel and museums.

“While this is a unique time, we’re closely monitoring the situation and working with our local team to maintain the planned itineraries as much as possible. If adjustments are needed, our staff in Italy is ready to adapt,” Perillo said.

James Ridgway, CEO of ETS Educational Travel Services, told TMR that his company has a few hundred guests scheduled to travel to Rome this week.

“As a leader in faith-based travel for over 50 years, ETS Educational Travel Services is fully prepared to navigate the evolving situation following the passing of Pope Francis,” said Ridgway.

“Given these historic events, we do anticipate some interruptions to our planned itineraries, particularly for groups with activities scheduled near the Vatican,” Ridgway continued. “We are working closely with our partners on the ground to reconfigure experiences where possible, allowing Catholic pilgrims the opportunity to participate in this profound moment of history … We are committed to balancing logistical realities with pastoral opportunities, ensuring our guests experience the beauty of this unique time in the life of the Church.”