
04/22/2025
💭 Thinking of traveling to Rome soon? Here’s what you should know. 🇮🇹
With the passing of Pope Francis, Rome—and particularly Vatican City—will be entering a significant period of mourning. Whether or not you’re religious, this moment is historic and will bring a notable shift in the rhythm of travel to Italy, especially if you're planning a visit in the coming weeks.
☝🏻Here are a few things to keep in mind:
⚠️ Crowds & Ceremonies: A 9️⃣ day period of mourning will begin, during which the Pope will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Expect extremely high visitor volume, especially around Vatican City.
🛑 Closures: Certain sites like the Sistine Chapel and possibly parts of the Vatican Museums may close temporarily. Always double-check hours if you plan to visit these locations.
📈 Rising Demand: Flights and accommodations in Rome are expected to be in unusually high demand. If you haven’t already booked, you may notice price increases and limited availability.
🗓️ Jubilee Year Context: 2025 was already expected to be a major pilgrimage year due to the Catholic Jubilee, which happens every 25 years. Many were already planning to walk through the four Holy Doors at Rome’s major basilicas. The Pope’s passing will amplify the number of visitors dramatically.
This period may bring once-in-a-lifetime moments—but also logistical challenges. If you’re planning to visit Rome this year, especially during this transition, make sure you’re prepared for crowds, adjusted schedules, and the emotional weight of the experience.
Not sure if this is the right year for your Italy trip? Let’s talk through it—I’m happy to help you decide what’s best for you.
Your Next Destination Brittany Rose - Travel Planner