Attending Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome: A Guide

Attending Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome: A Guide

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Get ready to pay your respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. (local time). As his liberal policies and casual conversations with the public have attracted many non-Catholics, it's anticipated that this event will draw a massive crowd, alongside the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Foreign visitor numbers in Italy are already hitting all-time highs, and Rome is even busier than usual this year due to the Vatican Jubilee. Over 32 million pilgrims and regular visitors are expected, making it challenging to make your way through the crowds.

Mountain Butorac, who leads pilgrimages to Rome and tours of the Vatican as The Catholic Traveler, told CNN that crowd numbers at Pope Francis' funeral will be similar to those at Pope Benedict's, but not as enormous as the 2005 death of Pope John Paul II, which saw around four million mourners.

The funeral schedule is as follows:

• Pope Francis' funeral: Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m., at St. Peter's Square outside the basilica (open to the public without tickets - expect lengthy lines).
• Lying in state: Francis' coffin was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on April 23. The public can file past the coffin from April 23 onwards; hours are 7 a.m. to midnight on April 24 and 25, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 26. The coffin will be closed at 8 p.m. on April 26.

Elected popes typically weigh in on their funeral plans, and Francis did the same when he approved an updated edition of the liturgical book in 2024. He wrote in his 2025 autobiography, "Hope," that he found the proposed funeral "excessive" and lightened it. He also chose his burial place, and will be the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.

After the funeral, there will be a nine-day mourning period known as the "Novendiales," which will see masses for Pope Francis held daily until May 4. Cardinals from around the world will be arriving in Rome during this period, preparing for the conclave - the meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope, scheduled to begin no sooner than May 6.

During the conclave, crowds gather in St. Peter's Square to pray, seeking a glimpse of the white smoke that signifies a new pope has been chosen. The voting process continues each day until a new Bishop of Rome is selected.

Rome has two international airports, Fiumicino, and Ciampino. The Leonardo Express train departs every 15 minutes for Termini station in the city center from Fiumicino, and taxis charge a fixed rate of 55 euros ($58) to destinations within the city walls. For those looking for more affordable accommodations, staying near St. Peter’s may be challenging due to the Jubilee, but options closer to Piazza di Spagna or the areas around Piazza della Repubblica and Termini train station are just a few minutes away by metro.

Rome's basilicas, including Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura, are worth visiting during this time as they provide a peaceful escape from the crowds. If you're looking for a more scenic experience, consider visiting Castel Sant'Angelo, the colossal fortress originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, or take a train to Viterbo to see the Palace of the Popes.

Remember that Pope Francis' passing will affect access to St. Peter's Basilica, and it is recommended to make alternative sightseeing plans or venture out of the city center to explore lesser-crowded attractions such as the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain. As the city prepares for this historical event, stay updated on any changes and make appropriate adjustments to accommodate the increased numbers of visitors and security measures.

1. With the passing of Pope Francis, there's hope that his funeral on April 26 at Saint Peter's Square will be a significant news event, as it's expected to draw a large crowd, including many travelers from around the world.
2. Travel rates to Rome are expected to rise during the month of April, particularly due to the papal funeral, and tourists planning to attend should check travel and accommodation rates well in advance.
3. After the funeral, travelers looking for a peaceful escape from the crowds may want to explore lesser-known attractions in Rome, such as the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain.
4. Lifestyle habits may need to be adjusted during the historical event, as increased numbers of visitors and security measures are likely to affect travel and sightseeing plans within the city center.

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