Is the Vatican Open to Tourists After Pope Francis's Death? Here's What to Know

April 22, 2025 | 01:33 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He had served as the head of the Catholic Church since his election in 2013.

The death of the Pope, who was also the head of state of the Vatican, will impact those wishing to visit his final resting place.

Pope Francis had requested a simpler funeral compared to his predecessors, asking for a modest wooden coffin and a ceremony accessible to the public without an elevated stage. He also requested the lid of his coffin be left open for viewing.

The Pope will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time in over a century that a Pope will be buried outside the Vatican.

Is Rome and the Vatican Closed to Tourists?

For those planning to visit Rome or the Vatican in the coming days and weeks, it is important to note that there will be nine days of official mourning.

During this period, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel will be closed, and some restaurants and shops will also shut their doors in respect.

However, the cities will not be completely shut down during this time. The Economic Times mentioned that many hotels, restaurants, and places in the city will remain open, as well as transportation services such as the metro and taxis.

The British Foreign Ministry has issued a warning for tourists planning to visit, anticipating crowded conditions in both cities.

"Following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, large crowds are expected in Rome and the Vatican City over the coming days. Please follow the advice of local authorities," reads the Foreign Ministry warning cited by Express.

Sistine Chapel Closed during the Conclave

Several areas, including the Sistine Chapel, will be off-limits during the Conclave, the meeting of around 120 cardinals from around the world to elect the Pope's successor.

As reported by The Guardian, the cardinals typically meet 15 to 20 days after the Pope's death.

During the deliberations, the chapel will be locked, and the cardinals will maintain secrecy and have no contact with the outside world.

The voting results are revealed by the color of the smoke from the chimney. Black indicates no decision, while white means a new Pope has been elected.

The longest Conclave in modern history took five days in 1922.

While the Sistine Chapel will be closed, most of the Vatican will remain open to tourists and pilgrims coming to pay their respects. Visitors should expect longer wait times, stricter security checks, and larger crowds. Some parts of the Vatican may be inaccessible due to event preparations.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE | THE ECONOMIC TIMES | GUARDIAN | EXPRESS.CO.UK

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