Tens of thousands of travellers have descended on Rome as the city prepares for a historic moment in the Catholic Church. The conclave to elect a new Pope began on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world are now locked inside the Sistine Chapel, engaging in the storied process to select the next pontiff.
The atmosphere in Rome and Vatican City is electric, with mourners having queued long into the night outside St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who lay in state prior to his funeral. The streets were lined with thousands of people for the funeral procession, marking a significant moment in the Church's history.
The conclave, a strictly confidential gathering, has closed the Sistine Chapel to the public for the duration of the election process. This iconic chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes, will remain inaccessible until a new Pope is elected, which could take several days. It is expected to reopen a couple of days after the conclave concludes, likely not before mid-May.
As the conclave unfolds, tourists in Rome will experience a unique historical moment, albeit with some challenges. Key attractions within the Vatican have become focal points of mourning and election procedures, leading to visitor restrictions and closures. The Vatican Museums will remain open, but tours of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis and the Vatican Gardens have been suspended for security reasons, as cardinals are transported between the chapel and their accommodations.
For those hoping to witness the momentous event, St. Peter's Square will be a hub of activity. Media crews and thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the square to catch a glimpse of the smoke that will signal the outcome of the voting rounds. The smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will be visible twice daily, around noon after the first two ballots and again at 7 PM after the last round of voting. If a new Pope is elected, white smoke will emerge, while black smoke indicates inconclusive voting.
According to the National Catholic Reporter, the smoke may also appear earlier, around 10:30 AM or 5:30 PM, depending on the timing of the voting. For those unable to access the square, several vantage points have been suggested for viewing the smoke. Via della Conciliazione, the main avenue leading into St. Peter’s Square, offers a broad view, while Piazza Pio XII, just outside the square, provides a less crowded experience. Other recommended locations include Ponte Sant'Angelo and the terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo, both offering panoramic views of the Vatican skyline.
With the influx of visitors, the price of flights to Rome is expected to surge. Travel expert Angus Kidman from Finder noted, “We’ll definitely see an increase in flight prices to Rome and to Italy over the next few weeks, as the faithful flock to pay their respects and potentially to see the announcement of the new Pope.” Similarly, hotel prices are likely to rise due to heightened demand, according to Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of travel company HotelPlanner. Some shops and restaurants may also close as a sign of respect during this solemn time.
The crowds around the Vatican are particularly heavy, compounded by the celebrations for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which has already drawn increased numbers of visitors. Those wanting to visit St. Peter’s Basilica should prepare for long wait times and heightened security measures. The dress code for the sacred site is strictly enforced, requiring visitors to have shoulders and knees covered, and to avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and flip-flops.
Pope Francis has now been buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a majestic UNESCO-designated sanctuary that houses a piece of the Holy Crib and a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, protector of the Roman people. This adds another layer of significance to the ongoing events in Rome, as the community reflects on the legacy of the late pontiff.
As the conclave continues, the world watches closely. The election of a new Pope marks a pivotal moment not only for the Catholic Church but for millions of faithful followers globally. The anticipation surrounding the selection process and the potential for a new direction in the Church’s leadership has captivated the attention of many.
In the coming days, as the smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, it will signal a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. Whether the outcome brings continuity or change, the implications will be felt far beyond the walls of the Vatican. The conclave represents a blend of tradition, faith, and the hopes of the Catholic community worldwide.
For travellers in Rome during this extraordinary time, the experience is likely to be unforgettable. While the Sistine Chapel may be closed, the opportunity to witness the election of a new Pope is indeed a rare event, something that happens only once in a blue moon, as the Italians say. As the world waits for the white smoke, the atmosphere in Rome remains charged with anticipation and reverence.
