Tourists who have booked to visit Rome in the coming weeks will experience the city during a rare historical moment following the death of Pope Francis. The Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public as it is used for voting on the new pope during a conclave that will last at least a week. This closure is expected to impact travel plans, with heavy crowds and queues anticipated around the Vatican, especially given the ongoing celebrations for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. Travelers should be aware of the expected disruptions in Rome and be prepared for closures and limited access at key tourist sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
The Sistine Chapel is scheduled to be closed from April 28 for the requirements of the conclave, with the process expected to start between May 6 and 10. The chapel will remain closed for the entire duration of the conclave, which can last for days, with a potential reopening in mid-May. The Vatican Museums and the Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex will also be closed on April 26 as a sign of mourning for the funeral of Pope Francis. Access to the church is likely to be restricted due to funeral preparations and the burial, with tours of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis and the Vatican Gardens suspended for security reasons.
Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica should expect limited access, long queues, and heightened security as Pope Francis’ body lies in state until April 25. The dress code for visiting the basilica will be strictly enforced, requiring shoulders and knees to be covered and inappropriate attire such as short skirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sleeveless tops to be avoided. Some areas of the basilica may not be accessible during this period, and guided tours are suspended as access is through the Sistine Chapel. The funeral on April 26 is expected to draw millions of people to Rome, potentially creating huge crowds and increased demand for flights, hotels, and other amenities in the city.
A visit to Rome during this period can offer a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers seeking to witness the funeral of Pope Francis and the announcement of the new pope. St. Peter’s Square will be packed with visitors and media during the conclave, where the outcome of voting rounds is indicated by smoke released from the chapel chimney – black for inconclusive and white for the successful election of a new pope. Expect higher flight and hotel prices in Rome and closures of some shops and restaurants as the city prepares for the influx of visitors for these historic events. While some sites may be closed or accessible only with restrictions, travelers can participate in public gatherings, memorials, and prayer services, creating a deeply meaningful experience during this profound moment in history.
