Sad news of the passing of Pope Francis.
My wife and I were in Rome at the election of Pope Francis, coincidentally.
If you plan on a visit to any part of Vatican City in the next few weeks expect disruption, especially during Conclave.
Additional information may also appear on this other thread https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/pope-francis-has-passed-rome-travelers-in-the-next-two-months-should-examine-itineraries
Since the conclave meets in the Sistine Chapel. I'm guessing you are right about this.
Let's hope the church chooses another Pope with the grace, humility and commitment to social justice as this very fine Pope Francis had.
Thank you, Nigel. As I am scheduled to be in Rome soon, with the ubiquitous tickets for a tour of the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel/back entrance to basilica, I am also appreciative in advance to anyone on the ground in Rome in the next 2-3 weeks who can share info on disruptions for visitors to this sites. And yes, may the cardinals be led to elect a new pope with similar compassion and commitment to justice.
If anyone has a estimate of a timeline who has experienced this before I would love to hear it. We are in Rome the end of May and have some tickets for the Vatican and Scavi Tour. God Bless the Pope.
For the funeral service, at least a three days wait, but likely more.
After that, 15 days wait for the beginning of the conclave - may be less if all the cardinals are already in Rome, that is improbable, may be a little longer but in any case no more than 20 days.
After that, the Conclave (cardinals' ballot) is likely to be short; the longest Conclave in modern times was in 1922 and 5 days long.
gebhardtcraig, here is a good description of the timeline, from funeral rites through election process:
In addition to disruptions at the Sistine/Vatican, the Holy Father will be interred at Santa Maria Maggiore - the first pope since 1903 not to be buried at St. Peter's - so I'd expect visitor disruptions there as well. I'm not a Catholic but had all respect for this compassionate and humble leader of the faith. God speed, Francis.
Regarding the Sistine Chapel, while the Conclave may not begin for 2-3 weeks, there are a number of preparations done in the Chapel to assure security and privacy. Windows are covered, some entrances are sealed, tables and seating set up, etc. Expect that this takes a week or more.
I would expect that the Chapel will close soon.
Once the conclave begins (well, already), St Peters Square will be filled, It is likely that entrance to St. Peters may be restricted, or at least limited hours, and in the past they have closed the Dome climb. The Vatican Museum should stay open, except for areas near the Sistine Chapel.
That's really very sad, thanks for letting us know, Nigel. I was wondering who had passed away this morning when I heard the Uppsala Cathedral bells ringing for quite some time. The last time I recall that happening was when Queen Elizabeth passed away.
in Rome from May 11th until the 15th. have
have tickets for Vatican museums and St Peters
would appreciate any info as it comes in. thanks for the above links
To add, I'd expect the websites of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore will soon provide some specific information on their websites for upcoming visitors. While I know that most folks who contribute to this forum are well aware of what those are, some first-timers to Rome might not so here they are:
Vatican Museums:
https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html
Their "news" section:
https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/eventi-e-novita/notizie/2025.html
St Peter's Basilica:
https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/
Santa Maria Maggiore:
https://www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va/en.html
Conclave will begin by May 10th.
Echoing the comments of others regarding prayers for Pope Francis and for the cardinals will choose another pope who will demonstrate such compassion and mercy.
I appreciate the link provided by Nigel. We are scheduled to arrive in Rome on May 4. We had not bought tickets for any Vatican tour; we were planning only to visit the basilica and I was trying to figure out the best way to do this on our own without standing in line longer than necessary. I'm wondering if this will be possible now. I also hoped to pass through the Holy Door at Santa Maria Maggiore, but not sure that's realistic now either if Pope Francis is buried there.
If anyone has further insights at this point, they are appreciated!
I read somewhere (WSJ or WaPo) that the burial normally takes place within 4-6 days so would expect by end of this week. The conclave normally begins within 15-20 days following the death of the pope, as reported.
We were in Rome when Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005. We arrived on Sunday afternoon, April 3…the day after his death on Saturday.
Our Scavi visit early on that Monday morning, April 4, was the last one offered that entire week. Our Vatican museum visit was changed from Friday of that week, April 8, since that was the day of his funeral…we were allowed to visit earlier that week on Tuesday morning, April 5…then the museums closed immediately after that.
We found that nothing else in Rome was greatly affected by his death other than the Vatican area which was unbelievably crowded with throngs of people at all hours of the day and night.
RIP, Pope Francis. Planned a Vatican tour on April 29th, our first day in Rome. It’ll still be a historic time to be there in person. Waiting to hear from the tour company. Just in case, booked another one for May 15, when we circle back for the day.
very sad news..
not to be disrespectful but will we be given a refund for tickets.
again no disrespect . just trying to replan trip.
We’re flying into Rome on May 4, and taking the train down to Sorrento. Do you think there will be any issues getting a taxi or train from the airport to the Rome train station in the city center?
For anyone interested, live cam of the rosary service currently happening in St Peter's square:
https://www.webcamtaxi.com/en/vatican/vatican-city/st-peters-square.html
In 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the Sistine Chapel closed on March 5—five days after his resignation on February 28—and reopened on March 18, 18 days later. Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013. As this was a resignation rather than a death, there was no funeral.
In 2005, Pope John Paul II passed away on April 2. The Sistine Chapel closed the next day, April 3, and reopened on April 19, following the election of Pope Benedict XVI. The conclave was held April 18–19, beginning 16 days after John Paul II's death. In that case, the Sistine Chapel remained closed for 17 days.
Assuming a similar timeline for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, the Sistine Chapel would likely close on April 22 and reopen around May 8, depending on how quickly the conclave concludes and a new pope is elected.
The papal conclave is typically held 15–20 days after a pope’s death, allowing time for mourning and for all eligible cardinals to arrive in Rome. For Pope Francis, the conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025. Recent conclaves have been relatively brief, so it’s likely that the Sistine Chapel will reopen by around May 14.
During this period, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other Vatican sites generally remain open to the public—though visitors should anticipate larger crowds and heightened security.
...not to be disrespectful but will we be given a refund for tickets.
car.parnell, it's too early to have much of any definite information yet. It may depend on if most of the Vatican Museums remain open, minus the Sistine and maybe some other parts, and/or at what speed the process moves along. Let's just say that none of us here are going to have an answer for you. If you booked outside of the Vatican's site, you would need to contact the company you booked with but again, it's likely too early.
thanks for the reply.
I did book with the official site.
I will be waiting to see what unfolds.
I think even though I may not get to use tickets... it will be nice to even just be there.
Have tickets for the Vatican museum for May 12th. What are the chances we'd still be able to go?
my tickets are for the 13th as well...
I’m sure things have changed, but when I was in Sicily when the conclaves were taking place electing both John Paul I, then John Paul II, everything was closed. One was lucky if an open coffee shop could be found.
Have tickets for the Vatican museum for May 12th. What are the chances we'd still be able to go?
I would say the chances are pretty good.
In the past, the museum has usually remained open during Conclave. The entrance is outside the Vatican, or in an outside wall, so it is somewhat isolated from St. Peters. The conclave starts on the 10th apparently, so obviously you will not see the Sistine Chapel as part of the Museum. Whether you will be able to get into St. Peters, that is unknown. The square will be packed waiting for the results of votes.
friedaflute…one clarification on your information.
We actually visited the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, on Tuesday morning, April 5, 2005 at about 10am…3 days after the death of Pope John Paul II. The museums, including the Sistine Chapel, then closed that afternoon…on Tuesday, April 5 not Sunday, April 3.
We originally had reservations to visit the museums on Friday, April 8. We heard that the date of the funeral had been set on the tv news very early Tuesday morning and that the museums would soon be closing to visitors. I immediately called the museums and was told to get down there right away if we wanted to visit as they would be closing later that day. Of all our many visits to the Vatican Museums, this one was the most special…the museums were almost empty and we virtually had the Sistine Chapel to ourselves with about a dozen other people…the masses of people were gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
As of Tuesday AM from my tour company:
We do not have firm news of when closures of sites involved will be and today, it seems things are running more or less normal - the funeral will take place this coming Saturday and then the conclave we expect to begin around 6-10 May. We are all most anxious to know how this will affect visitors and our tours.
Posted on the entry page of the Vatican Museums' website this morning:
"The Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, expressing their deep sorrow and grief at the passing of the Holy Father, hereby give notice that on Saturday 26 April 2025 the Vatican Museums and the Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex will be closed, as a sign of mourning, for the funeral of the Roman Pontiff Francis. All tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are also suspended."
I'd imagine notices for additional closures will be forthcoming as conclave plan is solidified.
Posted on the website for St Peter's Basilica today:
"In these days of mourning and prayer, the Dome will remain closed.
It will reopen from Sunday, April 27.
The Basilica will be open from 11:00 AM on April 23rd for anyone wishing to pay their last respects to our beloved Pope, during the following hours:
Wednesday, April 23
From 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Thursday, April 24
from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Friday, April 25
from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square."
First, even though I'm agnostic/atheist, I also grieve for the passing of Francis. He was a deeply compassionate man and heavens know we are still sorely in need of that these days.
But to be a bit self-centered, I have official guided tour tix for May 15th (11:30am). Does anyone know if the Sistine Chapel will be open? It's really the main thing I want to see. (I know that's where the conclave will be, which is why I'm a bit worried; I also have tix for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica later that day, but from what was said here, that sounds like it might be available by May 15th.)
But to be a bit self-centered, I have official guided tour tix for May 15th (11:30am). Does anyone know if the Sistine Chapel will be open? It's really the main thing I want to see. (I know that's where the conclave will be, which is why I'm a bit worried; I also have tix for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica later that day, but from what was said here, that sounds like it might be available by May 15th.)
That is to me unduly optimistic.
The conclave will begin sometime between May 6 and 10th. ( 15 -20 days after the Pope's death per protocol)
To think the election of the new Pope will happen quickly enough to allow for the Sistine to be ready for public visitors by the 15th is bordering on 'miraculous'.
"But to be a bit self-centered, I have official guided tour tix for May 15th (11:30am). Does anyone know if the Sistine Chapel will be open? It's really the main thing I want to see. (I know that's where the conclave will be, which is why I'm a bit worried; I also have tix for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica later that day, but from what was said here, that sounds like it might be available by May 15th"
From what I have read I think May 15th is possible but unlikely for the Sistine Chapel to be open. It basically comes down to how fast the Conclave gets to Rome and the time to elect a new Pope. I think it will be sometime the week following the 15th when that happens. It's just my Guestimate.
Does anyone know if the Sistine Chapel will be open?
Short answer? No. Too many unknowns at this time.
Official word from the Vatican website is that the conclave will be from May 5-10.
In 2005, I was in the same situation and couldn't enter the Vatican Gardens or the Sistine Chapel many days before the conclave - of course. They also only allowed a limited number of visitors into St. Peter's Basilica. I have no idea how it will be this time.
That said, even though the conclave only lasted two days (if I remember correctly), we still couldn't enter the Sistine Chapel five days after the conclave. I don't remember from then on, because then we flew back to Munich. And I remember that it was almost impossible to move around the Vatican before and after the conclave because there were so many people. After one try we avoided the area as much as possible. But from our apartment (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II) we could see how more and more people were walking towards the Vatican.
Official word from the Vatican website is that the conclave will be from May 5-10
How they know?
I'm seeing nothing on the Vatican's site regarding official start of Conclave. Of course they don't know how long it could last although in recent times it hasn't been more than 2-4 days or so, set-up and disassembly aside, probably.
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/04.html
will tickets be refunded...if the sites are closed? I do have tickets from official site.
this would be quite a hassle and loss of money for tour companies and the Vatican.
no disrespect intended.
I read it in corriere Della sera and a few other Italian publications and aside from which the conclave in modern times always takes place within 15-20 days of the death or resignation of a pope so the end date must be no later than the 11th.
I don't see how you can guarantee the end date of the Conclave.
It ends when it ends, and the white smoke appears.
True, modern ones have been relatively fast by ancient standards, but nobody knows what will happen behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel. It could be a day or two or it could take a week or two, or longer.
I wouldn't presume to give a definite end date.
The official start of conclave has to be determined by the conference of cardinals, that still have to meet, so it is unlikely you will read anything on web sites real soon. As little is going to happen before the funeral service, I would guess there will be a date around the beginning of next week.
My wife and I were in Rome at the election of Pope Francis, coincidentally.
Nigel, were you and Carol house sitting in Rome for us that week? We were in Sicily, I remember. It’s been a minute…
...so the end date must be no later than the 11th.
For clarity, there appears to be confusion here between when Conclave must begin versus when it ends. While it must begin somewhere between May 6-11th, it ends when the new Pope is elected; no date on that as it takes as long as it takes. From the "Wanted in Rome" website:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/what-happens-when-a-pope-dies-traditions-and-transition.html
"The conclave, the process of electing a new pope, begins 15-20 days after the pope’s passing."
And "The Catholic Traveler"
https://thecatholictraveler.com/what-happens-when-a-pope-dies/
"The conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death. This means the earliest start date will by May 6th, which also happens to be the annual date of the new Swiss Guard swearing-in ceremony."
So it could begin any time between May 6 and May 11th. If it starts on the 6th and election goes quickly, it could be done in day or two. If it starts on the 11th and takes a few days longer...
car.parnell, as already responded yesterday to your question about refunds, no one here can answer it at this time. As above, it's entirely possible that the museums will remain largely open during Conclave with the exception of the Sistine and some other areas so refunds would not be issued. Dunno. You have to wait and see what they say on their website. You could also contact them but so much is still in flux right now that it's entirely possible for them not to have an answer yet and/or be so completely overwhelmed with similar questions as to not be able to respond for some time.
The 2024 Oscar nominated film The Conclave with Ralph Fiennes is worth a look if anyone's interested in the process.
Sorry, when I said "...that sounds like it might be available by May 15th.", I meant the Basilica, since the funeral will be in April and Pope Francis will be buried elsewhere.
I just went to the Vatican Museum official website and it says: "The Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public from Monday 28 April 2025 for the requirements of the Conclave."
So I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
They've added that info since I looked earlier today, Alex: thanks for the update! Just a good example of needing to keep sharp eyes on the Museums and Basilica websites as things can change rapidly. I'm not seeing anything on Santa Maria Maggiore's site yet.
To add: that they state that the Sistine will close from April 28, 2025 but don't mention closure of the rest of the museums is probably significant. It would indicate that they would consider the museums open for business but we'll see if there are updates.
Nigel, were you and Carol house sitting in Rome for us that week? We were in Sicily, I remember. It’s been a minute…
That was indeed us, Laurel. It is both just yesterday and far far too long...
Sorry, when I said "...that sounds like it might be available by May 15th.", I meant the Basilica, since the funeral will be in April and Pope Francis will be buried elsewhere.
Don't assume that the Basilica is free as soon the Pope is buried. You have commemorations for 9 days, then, as soon as there is a new Pope, his celebrations will begin.
I'll be in Rome for a previously scheduled trip from May 5 to 9 and will report back. We have a Scavi tour scheduled for May 8 that I really hope won't be canceled, and a tour of Mary Major scheduled for May 7.
The Vatican Museums states that all tickets, including for the Sistine Chapel, are non-refundable and dates, times or names cannot be modified.
If you have purchased tickets through a third-party operator, you should check their website or contact them about refunds or date changes.
I believe this is my answer.
I would assume that non refundable means if you cancel. If the chapel and museums are closed then they would have to issue a refund. If it is just the Sistine Chapel that is closed when you go, you may only get a partial refund for that if the rest is open.
They say some 20,000 people passed by the coffin today. Just to be there would be an experience in itself. Something not everyone would get to experience.
