What happens when a Pope dies — And how you can participate

When a sitting pope passes away, the Vatican enters a period known as sede vacante—Latin for “the seat being vacant.” This marks the suspension of papal duties and the beginning of a carefully structured transition. For visitors and the faithful, it’s a time of solemn reflection and unique opportunity to witness centuries-old traditions unfold.

Key events & how you can take part:

Large church bell in Florence, Italy, highlighting intricate engravings and historical significance.

Day 0 - Official confirmation & announcement

The Pope’s death is officially confirmed by the Camerlengo (Church chamberlain), currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who performs a traditional ritual to certify the passing. Church bells ring across Vatican City and Rome, signaling the news. A formal statement is issued by the Holy See.

➡️ What to expect as a visitor: A quiet, somber mood across Vatican sites. Some attractions may close early or operate under restricted access. Expect more security and media presence.

St. Peter’s Basilica facade in Vatican City.

Days 1–5 – Body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica

The late Pope’s body is embalmed and placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, open to the public for viewing. Pilgrims and visitors can file past the body to pay their last respects.

➡️ You can visit:* *Viewing is typically allowed for several hours each day. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Security is tight, and lines can stretch for hours. Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees), and maintain silence inside the Basilica.

Visiting St. Peter's Basilica

Days 1–9 – Novemdiales (Nine days of mourning)

Nine days of official mourning are observed with daily Masses and prayers held across the Vatican and in many Roman churches. This period is marked by solemnity and remembrance.

➡️ You can attend: These services are open to everyone. Times and locations are posted at churches or can be confirmed through your hotel concierge or guides. Participating in even one Mass offers a unique chance to be part of this moment in Church history.

Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.

Days 4–6 – Funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square

A grand funeral Mass is held, typically on the 4th or 5th day, led by senior cardinals and attended by heads of state, dignitaries, clergy, and the faithful.

➡️ How to join: No ticket is needed, but space is limited. Arrive several hours early—before sunrise, if possible. There are no seats, and you’ll go through multiple security checks. Bring water, sun protection, and be prepared to stand for a long time. The mood is deeply reverent; silence is expected throughout.

Guide to St. Peter's Square

Priests conducting a ceremonial prayer in a church during mass.

Days 10–20 – Preparations for the Conclave

After the funeral, the College of Cardinals begins preparations for the election of a new Pope. The Sistine Chapel is sealed, and the Vatican enters a time of intense private deliberation.

➡️ Visitor note: The Sistine Chapel will be closed to visitors during this time. Other Vatican Museums may remain open but with some schedule changes.

Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.

Day 15–20 – Conclave

The conclave begins inside the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals are sequestered without outside contact —no phones, no media until a new pope is elected. Voting takes place up to four times a day until a two-thirds majority is reached. After each round, ballots are burned. The Chapel remains closed throughout.

➡️ No public access is allowed during the conclave. However, crowds begin to gather in St. Peter’s Square daily, awaiting the smoke signals that announce voting progress.

St. Peter's Basilica and Square with tourists exploring Vatican City.

Habemus Papam announcement

White smoke signals the successful election of a new Pope. Within an hour, the new Pope appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first blessing: "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope").

➡️ Be there: This moment draws tens of thousands of people. Arrive at least 2 hours before sunset—ideally near the central obelisk for the best view. Be prepared for a festive yet respectful atmosphere. Screens are set up in the square for visibility. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

During your visit

Even outside the formal ceremonies, the Vatican and central Rome take on a special atmosphere during sede vacante.
➡️ What to know:

Dress modestly at all religious sites—no sleeveless tops or shorts.
Keep noise low, avoid selfies or phone use inside churches, and follow all posted guidance on photography and movement during ceremonies.
Movement may be limited around St. Peter’s Square during major events. Check local advisories.
Museums and nearby attractions may adjust hours due to ceremonies or security needs.
Shops selling Vatican-related items may offer special commemorative memorabilia during this period.

Occasional vigils and processions

During the mourning period, additional public events such as candlelight vigils, prayer services, or processions may take place, often organized by local parishes or the Vatican itself. These events offer intimate moments for reflection beyond the major ceremonies.
➡️ How to join:

Check the Vatican’s official schedule, ask your guide, hotel or local churches for details.
Some vigils are spontaneous, especially near the Basilica in the evenings.
Bring a small candle or light source if participating in outdoor services.

How to explore during a Papal transition

Use side entrances and early slots: Enter via less busy doors like Viale Vaticano and aim for early (around 8am) entry at museums to avoid bottlenecks.

Explore hidden gems within the Vatican:

Vatican Museums in reverse: With the Sistine Chapel closed, start your tour in reverse! Begin at the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) or Gregorian Egyptian Museum. This lets you explore the Gallery of Maps, and Pio-Clementino Museum with fewer crowds.
Vatican Gardens: If available, enjoy a peaceful tour through the landscaped Vatican Gardens—a serene contrast to the crowded major spaces featuring fountains, sculptures, and beautiful views.
Smaller Churches: Explore intimate chapels like Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri for a reflective retreat away from the masses
Vatican Post Office: Pick up a commemorative “Sede Vacante” stamp by sending a postcard back home from the Vatican Post Office.

Roman Forum ruins with ancient columns and arches in Rome, Italy.

Outside the Vatican, central Rome takes on a reflective mood. Stroll through quieter neighborhoods or piazzas to witness local customs and quiet solidarity. Seek out alternative attractions:

Local Churches & hidden Chapels: Beyond Vatican City, churches like Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Rome’s cathedral and official ecclesiastical seat), the quaint chapels of Trastevere, or Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence located just outside Rome with stunning views of Lake Albano.
Cultural museums and exhibitions: Consider tours of the Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, or Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, housing extensive collections of Roman art and history without the Vatican crowds.
Historic streets and markets: Explore areas such as Piazza Navona or Campo de' Fiori, where you can experience local art, street performances, and seasonal events that may be quietly influenced by the nation’s mood.
Explore Rome’s walking routes: Use this time to walk ancient streets like Via dei Fori Imperiali, exploring the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, or the Pantheon. These open-air sites generally remain accessible and provide extraordinary context to Vatican history.

Most asked questions about the Pope's passing, Vatican tickets, and more

Are the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica open during the mourning period?

Yes, but there are important schedule changes:

St. Peter’s Basilica is closed for the week following the Pope’s passing and is expected to reopen shortly after the funeral.
The Vatican Museums remain open throughout the mourning period, with the exception of the funeral day, when they will be closed.
The Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms are closed until a new Pope is elected—likely for about a month.

What happens to my booked Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica tickets?

Vatican tours and tickets are operating as usual at the moment. However, expect changes as events unfold; for example, once the Pope’s body moves into the Basilica, tours and ticketed entry there is paused.

Can I get a refund or reschedule if a site closes?

Currently, refund or rescheduling policies remain as standard. When major closures occur (e.g., on days when the Museums or Basilica are fully closed), refunds may apply per the usual terms. Check your voucher for details.

Are Vatican guided tours still running, or will they be altered during this time?

As of now, Vatican guided tours are running as scheduled. On days of full closures (such as the day of the funeral on the 26th), tours will not be possible. Keep in touch with your tour operator for real-time updates.

Can I still book Vatican tickets and tours during the papal transition?

Yes, booking is still available. Even with some sites temporarily closed (e.g., the Sistine Chapel once the conclave starts), many tours continue, and additional experiences (like alternative museum sections) remain accessible.

Should I book tours in advance due to increased visitor numbers?

Absolutely. With the heightened interest during this period, it’s wise to book tours early – especially for popular sites like the Basilica and Vatican Museums—to secure your spot.

Can I visit St. Peter’s Basilica while the Pope lies in state?

Yes, the public viewing is open for a few days while the Pope lies in state. Expect long queues and enhanced security. Note that schedules may change once ceremonies begin.

Is special access or a ticket required to view the Pope’s body?

No special ticket is needed for the public viewing, but because of security and crowd control, arriving early is essential.

Can I attend public Masses, the funeral, or the Habemus Papam announcement?

Yes. Public Masses and ceremonies (including the funeral and later the Habemus Papam moment) are open to visitors. However, keep in mind these events draw large crowds, so plan accordingly.

How can I find reliable schedules for Masses, ceremonies, or vigils?

To find reliable schedules for Masses, ceremonies, or vigils during the papal transition, check the official Vatican website (vatican.va) and Vatican News for the latest updates. Upon arrival, information desks at St. Peter’s Basilica can provide current schedules. Following official Vatican social media accounts and trusted local news outlets is also helpful for real-time announcements. If you have a guided tour, your guide can offer up-to-date information. Since schedules may change, always verify times on-site before attending.

Are non-Catholics allowed to participate in mourning events?

Yes, the events are open to all visitors. While the ceremonies are deeply religious, non-Catholics are welcome to observe and participate respectfully.

Which Vatican sites are closed, and for how long?

Preliminary updates indicate that on the day of the funeral (e.g., Saturday the 26th), the Museums, Basilica, and Castel Gandolfo will be closed. Specific duration for closures (such as after the funeral) is still to be confirmed.

What security checks or restricted areas should I expect?

Expect heightened security throughout Vatican City, especially around the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. You may be required to show government-issued photo ID at entry points and during re-entry after events.

Will public transport or services near the Vatican be affected?

Increased visitor numbers and major events may lead to temporary delays or service adjustments. Follow local advisories and local transit apps (such as Rome’s ATAC app), official websites, or social media channels for live service updates.

Are there areas I should avoid due to heavy crowds or ceremonies?

Large gatherings are expected around St. Peter’s Square during key events. It’s best to monitor local updates and plan your route to avoid bottleneck areas during major ceremonies.

Is now a good time to visit the Vatican, or should I postpone my trip?

This is a uniquely historic period to visit. If you’re prepared for some schedule changes and larger crowds, it’s an excellent time to witness a significant event in Vatican history.

What should I do if I get separated from my group in large crowds?

Establish a meeting point in advance. Keep your phone charged, and consider carrying a small printed itinerary with contact details. Follow local security personnel’s instructions if separated.