Pope Francis passed away in the early hours of April 21, 2025. As the Vatican begins a period of mourning known as Sede Vacante—the time between Popes—your visit will coincide with a rare and deeply meaningful moment in Church history.
Some sites will close. Others will become the center of global attention. Ceremonies will unfold, crowds will grow, and the atmosphere across the Vatican will shift.
This guide is here to help you navigate it all—what to expect, what you can still see, and how to experience the Vatican with awareness and respect during this unique time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even outside the formal ceremonies, the Vatican and central Rome take on a special atmosphere during sede vacante.
➡️ What to know:
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:
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:
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:
Yes, but there are important schedule changes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No special ticket is needed for the public viewing, but because of security and crowd control, arriving early is essential.
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.
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.
Yes, the events are open to all visitors. While the ceremonies are deeply religious, non-Catholics are welcome to observe and participate respectfully.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
