Has anybody been in Rome during Concave and the announcing of the new Pope? Our RS tours starts on May 16 (roughly 3 weeks away) and I am wondering about the size of crowds and maneuvering around the city. We have our extras booked such as going to Vatican Museum and we hoping to visit St Peters (very early in am when it first opens). However, I wonder if those visits might need to be cancelled. Thoughts?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8484 posts
Not been there during a conclave, but generally speaking, with lots of "maybe"...
Many are predicting the conclave will start May 10th. The last ten conclaves have lasted an average of 3 days, so very likely by the time you are there, it will all be over. But, no guarantees.
For the Vatican Museum, that likely will be open, no issues, but depending on timing, you might miss visiting the Sistine Chapel.
If the Pope has been announced a couple days prior, then St Peters might be busy, but available. If no Pope, the crowds will be oppressive.
I would not cancel anything yet, unless you booked with a third party, then discuss options with them.
Posted by
69 posts
The conclave will likely be over by the time your tour starts, but the inauguration may occur while you're there. It usually happens within a week of the new pope's election. Unless you really want to see it, I would keep an eye on the news and avoid the Vatican on that day. Given their schedules for the funeral, I think both the Museums and the Basilica will be closed for the inauguration anyway.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6089 posts
Conclave must begin anywhere from 15 to 20 days after the death of the Pope, so the 10th is as good a guess as any, although I think it will be earlier. Of course the Sistine chapel will be closed for a few days before it starts, to prepare the room properly, and will stay closed until all the temporary measures have been removed after it ends. I've no idea if the Vatican museum rooms closest to the chapel may also be closed. As for St Peters- I would think it best to consult it's website for opening hours and closures for the coming weeks. Right now they only list changes up to the funeral https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/opening-hours
While the world dignitaries will leave right after the funeral, many will return for the inauguration mass for the new Pope, which is usually within a week of his election, and is held either in St Peters or in Vatican square. In between all this, expect Vatican square to be packed during conclave. I haven't been there during an interregnum, but I was in Rome when the Pope proclaimed 3 new saints. And the city was in almost gridlock for several days due to the influx of both dignitaries and the faithful.