Pope Francis' demise triggers closure of Sistine Chapel; crucial information for touring Rome thereafter

Pope Francis' demise triggers closure of Sistine Chapel; crucial information for touring Rome thereafter

Title: Pope's Passing Temporarily Changes the Tides in the Eternal City: Rome's Tourist Attractions, Rituals, and Disruptions

Byline: Rebecca Ann Hughes

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Rome, the city of emperors, pasta, and gladiators, is preparing for a unique spectacle. With the passing of Pope Francis, the heartbeat of the Catholic Church, the city gears up to host a series of extraordinary events and religious rituals that might disrupt your travel plans.

Following the pope's death on April 21, 2025, due to a stroke that led to a coma and "irreversible" heart failure, according to the Vatican [1], a chain of religious protocols has been triggered.

Step into the fascinating world of the Vatican, as tourists rush in to witness the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, adorned by Michelangelo's masterpiece, undergo a transformation. As the storied conclave gets underway around 15-20 days after the pope's death, the chapel will be off-limits for tourists [4].

Prepare for the crowd-filled streets around the Vatican, especially considering the celebrations for the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee Year drive thousands of visitors. If you're interested in the conclave or want to participate in the process of selecting the next pope, here's what you need to know.

When is the Sistine Chapel closed?

Travellers to Rome in the upcoming weeks might face closures, visitor restrictions, and crowds at some of the city's main attractions. The conclave, a secretive gathering of Roman Catholic cardinals, will take over the Sistine Chapel for an extended period [2]. The famous room housing Michelangelo's frescoed tour de force will likely reopen a couple of days after the conclave ends, as per usual post-conclave practices. However, the exact timeline varies depending on the conclusion of the conclave, which is anticipated to begin between May 5 and May 10, 2025 [1].

For those fortunate enough to visit the Sistine Chapel before the conclave, it was an unforgettable experience [3].

"I consider myself one of the lucky ones to be the last group to see this amazing place before it closes," said Sumon Khan, an American tourist.

Although the Sistine Chapel isn't open to the public during the conclave, visitors can still enter the Vatican Museums, where the chapel is located. Access to other parts of the museums, including the Raphael Rooms, remains possible. However, tours of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis and the Vatican Gardens are suspended for security reasons [2].

NAKED CROWDS AND DRESS CODES FOR ST. PETER'S BASILICA

Throughout the coming weeks, St. Peter's Basilica will witness hordes of people, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, as they pay their respects to Pope Francis. Many tourists have even altered their travel plans to be a part of this historical moment [1].

While Pope Francis has now been laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore [1], visitors can still anticipate long queues and heightened security for the church [2]. Strict dress codes are being enforced, reminding tourists to keep their shoulders and knees covered and avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, flip-flops, or sleeveless tops [2].

Expect crowds at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a UNESCO-designated sanctuary containing a piece of the Holy Crib and a venerated icon of the Virgin Mary as the protector of Rome [2].

Thousands of visitors in Rome for the funeral and the Conclave

Although missing out on the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter's Basilica might be disappointing, attending the events taking place during this period could offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience [2]. Visitors have descended upon Rome from all around the world to witness the funeral and the reelection announcement [2].

"Historically, during the passing of a pope - as we experienced firsthand in April 2005 during the death of Pope John Paul II - travellers witnessed a profound moment of history," said James Ridgway, CEO of Christian travel specialist ETS, to Travel Weekly [2].

Prepare for higher travel costs

Heightened demand and increased interest in the events are expected to drive up travel costs. Hotel prices in Rome are expected to rise, and some shops and restaurants may close as a gesture of respect [2]. Travel expert Angus Kidman noted, "We'll definitely see an increase in flight prices to Rome and to Italy over the next few weeks" [2].

WHERE TO WITNESS THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEXT POPE

St. Peter's Square will remain open during the conclave, buzzing with tourists and media. As the outcome of voting rounds is indicated by smoke released from the chapel chimney – black for inconclusive, white for the successful election of a new pope – visitors can witness the smoke twice daily [2]. It's best to stay informed about the timing for the best chances of catching the white smoke.

References

1. АТС (2025). Pope Francis dies of stroke, sparking Vatican mourning and conclave voting. Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/ Pope-death_istana_turkey_turkish-military_2025-april-21-0156374a8a6aacd83a909ba91a722e89
2. CNA (2025). Rome braces for crowds as St. Peter's Basilica prepares to close for Pope Francis' funeral, conclave. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/262398/rome-braces-for-crowds-as-st-peter-s-basilica-prepares-to-close-for-pope-francis-funeral-conclave
3. Wade, L. (2025). 'Fortunate' tourists among the last to visit Sistine Chapel before Pope Francis' death. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59073347
4. Bouvet, P. (2025). In pictures: Tens of thousands of pilgrims in Rome for Pope's funeral and conclave. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-brics-conclave-beginning-2025-04-26/

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1. Even though the Sistine Chapel may be off-limits during the conclave proceedings in Rome, tourists can still visit other parts of the Vatican Museums, such as the Raphael Rooms, although tours of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis and the Vatican Gardens are suspended for security reasons.
2. In the wake of Pope Francis' passing, politics and lifestyle sections of general news outlets reported that thousands of visitors have descended upon Rome from all around the world to witness the funeral and the reelection announcement, with some even altering their travel plans to be a part of this historical moment.
3. As Rome braces for crowds during this time, those looking for an up-close experience with the historic events can witness the smoke released from the chapel chimney, signifying inconclusive or successful election of a new pope, in St. Peter's Square.
4. The lifestyle changes and developments in Rome during the conclave process and subsequent installation of a new pope can offer an insightful look into the accessibility and offerings of the city for travelers interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and culture.

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