If you plan to visit Rome or the Vatican any time soon, you should know that it’s extremely busy at the moment.
This is because people are lining up from different locations around the globe to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025.
And April 26 is his funeral date. As expected, more people are expected to show up around that time. According to some estimates, foot traffic is expected to remain heavy for two weeks after the ceremony.
But there is more. Grab your Hotel Mad Best Online Starts Now (If You Can)
Cheers to Simon Calder for sharing his wisdom: Currently, everyone is scrambling to get a room close to Vatican City and for good reasons. Even places like Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara near the Pantheon are fully booked.
In any case, you will have to pay significantly more than you would normally. Prices for Saturday night stay have skyrocketed to £300 (around 6 million rupiah). This is twofold compared to what you would normally pay during off-peak season.
Getting Around? Good Luck
If you think strolling around the Vatican on a funeral day is an option, you clearly haven’t thought this through.
Authorities are set to lockdown parts of the city, close off streets, and boost security. Crowds are going to be big, especially around Saint Peter’s Basilica and other popular areas.
Even famous spots such as the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are practically unreachable for the foreseeable future. Their official ticket websites do not show any bookings available until at least the beginning of May. So if the ceiling of Sistine Chapel was on your bucket list, well… best consider this visit a consolation.
Pickpockets on the Prowl
With so many people packed in tight spaces, the likelihood of minor offenses, such as pickpocketing, occurring is extremely high. Tourists are being reminded time and time again to keep a firm grip on their wallets, phones and backpacks, especially around crowded squares and transport hubs.
Just remember: if it’s valuable, it’s best zipped, tucked away, locked, and out of sight.
A Little Bit More Context…
People flock the city not just for the funeral. This year would be so busy for the catholics due to the Holy year.
The funeral followed by the conclave for positing the pope candidate around May 11 means the vatican is only getting busier with time.
Final Strategies for The Most Adventurous Romers
Continue your professional approach to planning and book as early as possible.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Get ready for detours, stagnated traffic, and closed off areas.
Give yourself enough time because lines will be extremely long.
Rome is vibrant, exhilarating, and always captivating; however, right now is a completely different level. If you happen to not enjoy long waits and congested streets, you might want to plan your trip for the vatican just a little later.
