Worst case scenario.

Odds are there are a few more Catholics in the world than Mormons.

What really happens is that after a papal death, it takes a while for things to get fired up. Unless you're going to be in Rome for seven evers, if the Pope died on the day you arrived, it probably wouldn't get that crowded until you were gone.

I've been in a couple of places with which I was already familiar following the death of a head of state or national figure. I've never thought about it before, but except for the immediate area of where an event was taking place, there was not undue stress on the infrastructure that I noticed.

Temple Square when the Prophet dies, is nothing like the Vatican when the Pope dies. I know the Vatican would be a nightmare (unless you're Catholic, my good Catholic friend would love to be there when the Pope dies). But I guess you guys are saying the rest of Rome would be ok.

Julie...we were in Rome shortly after the death of John Paul II, during the interregnum and, yes, it was busy at the Vatican, but not so as you couldn't get around. The only flaw was that they had closed the Sistine Chapel to prepare for the cardinals' conclave. The rest of Rome was fine.

I have to give Julie points for originality & creativity! I don't think I've seen this question posted before.

Yes, it makes a change from the shoes, money belt, ATM, and is-the-water-safe-to-drink questions.

I don't think it's something you need to worry about as the man is not even sick or really that old.

I go to Rome all the time and can honestly say this thought has never crossed my mind. It's just not something to worry about.

I would be more worried about getting reservations to the vatican museums, borghese gallery and not getting pick pocketed or ripped off by dishonest cab drivers.

Don't worry about the Pope. he is fine and you're vacation should be too.

Donna

What the?

Is it possible that Julie, the OP, has some inside information on the Pope's health? If not, and it's just a rather weird worry, I suggest she should avoid London because the Queen is 84 and just finished a gruelling trip to Canada. Enough said.

The worst case scenario would be an injury to yourself or a travel companion's death. Both have happened. Another real problem is plane flights cancelled because of anything; terrorism or volcanic ash for instance. Or try a train strike when you really need to get to your hotel or tour?

I don't think the death of a Pope would ruin or seriously enhance a traveler's trip to Rome.

I don't see this as something you can plan for. If it happened while I was in Rome, I would watch the local news to see if crowds were becoming a problem and avoid those places.

Try being in Rome on a night when "Bianca Notte" is going on !!! Talk about crowded...Wow! Fortunately (for visitors) there is not one planned for 2010.

Well, this post brought a tear to my eye..not sure if is was the impending demise of religious leaders oe just the wee touch of humor that is needed on a monday morning.

We were in Rome during the Notte Bianca in 2003 - and the power went out across the whole country late that night! It was actually a highlight of our trip (the Notte Bianca, not the power outage, although we did great some great stories from it). All the major streets were closed to car traffic and there were thousands upon thousands of people out enjoying themselves. Magical!

Norm pretty much nailed it. The Sistine Chapel would be closed but St. Peters, the Museums and the gift shops selling Pope bobblehead dolls would be open. Yes, Vatican Square would be crowded.....but doable. You'll find most of the crowd outside waiting for "the smoke" rather than inside looking at the art and architecture.

The rest of Rome will be fine. Crowded, yes...but isn't it always?

I'd really be more concerned if I were flying Alitalia. That would be the worst case scenario. (Just kidding...or am I?)

BTW..."Angels and Demons" is a fictional movie. The Vatican Square scenes were shot on an outdoor set built in Inglewood, California. Special effects were used for the crowd scenes as well as many of the buildings (green screen.)

But was she really serious or just putting us on? If she was serious.....hmmm.....

Donna

Julie,

NO, you shouldn't "avoid Rome at all costs" nor The Vatican!

Go to Rome and also the Vatican if you want, tour as long as you like and have a great time! Try not to worry about "what might happen".

If you're there in the summer, the Pope may not even be in town. As I recall, he often resides at Castel Gandolfo in the summer.

Happy travels!

haha scott"what the"..that is a weird question...I lived in Rome for college for months and never even thought of that..I think its a joke..has to be..lol

Julie,
Been there, done that. If you don't have reservations for a place to stay you will probably be out of luck. I stayed away from Vatican city (mostly) and had no problems.