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Visiting the Vatican in April

We are planning a trip to Italy from April 17-24. We heard a rumor that the Pope's election was happening on the 19th. We thought it was happening before Easter. Does anyone know for sure? Assuming it is happening on the 19th. We can either do the Vatican as a half day on the 17th or 18th, or on 23rd. We were planning on going on the 18th, but if the election is happening on the 18th, that it would either be closed or extremely crowded. What do you think would be the best time to go?

Posted by
1994 posts

No one knows when the new Pope will be elected. However, the conclave starts this coming Tuesday. It will last until a new Pope is elected. Whatever you heard about April is wrong.

Posted by
11613 posts

It would be difficult to imagine Holy Week and Easter Sunday without a pope. Rumors? There are hundreds, but even more grains of salt.

Posted by
8091 posts

It's doubtful that the process of electing a new pope will take 5 weeks. Anyway it goes, your trip is April 17th.
Just go into Rome and roll with the flow. It's all going to work out fine.