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Upon the Death of a Pope: Procedures and Traditions

When a Pope dies, Vatican City and Rome experience a period of significant change and heightened activity. As one of the most well-known figures in the world, the death of a Pope always makes international headlines as Catholics and faithful around the world mourn the loss of the Supreme Pontiff.

A Papal Funeral is steeped in Church history and tradition. It is a time of honoring the life of the Holy Father, commending his soul to God, and recognizing his important role as the Successor of St. Peter. The funeral events have always drawn many pilgrims from around the world to the Eternal City.

The first event is a public viewing which takes place in the days immediately following the announcement of the Holy Father’s passing. With the revisions made by Pope Francis in 2024, a Pope’s body will now be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica inside a plain wooden coffin rather than on an elevated platform called a “catafalque”. Pilgrims are welcome to pass through St. Peter’s to pay their respects to the deceased Holy Father. When Pope Benedict XVI died in 2023, an estimated 200,000 people passed through St. Peter’s Basilica for the viewing.

An official mourning period is nine days, known as “Novendiale”, is observed, although the Papal funeral doesn’t take place until four to six days after his death. The Vatican will hold the Papal Funeral in St. Peter’s Square. During this time, the Vatican is completely closed except for the funeral Mass. This funeral Mass is a significant event that tourists may be able to attend or witness in part. In attendance are many of the Church’s clergy members, dignitaries such as heads of state, and thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The requiem Mass is presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

The burial of the Pope is typically a private event, not open to the public. Traditionally, popes have been buried in the grottoes of the Vatican beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis has requested that he instead be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome which is one of his favorite Churches. Seven other Popes have also been buried at St. Mary Major.

After the Pope’s burial, a Conclave takes place during which the new Holy Father will be elected. A Conclave only takes place in two circumstances: 1.) upon the death of a Pope OR 2.) if a Pope resigns from the Papacy due to illness, old age, etc. While tourists cannot attend the Conclave, the atmosphere in Rome is filled with anticipation and excitement. The Conclave has historically begun 15-20 days after the Pope’s death or resignation. The College of Cardinals will gather in private in the Sistine Chapel and vote by secret ballot until a two-thirds majority determines who will be the next Pope. When a new Pope has been determined, white smoke will issue from the chimney in the Vatican to alert the faithful watching in St. Peter’s Square. If the vote is inconclusive, black smoke will issue instead.

As a result of the influx of visitors and funeral events, there are a number of changes to the availability of certain sites for tourists in Rome. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to travel to Rome during the time of a Papal Funeral and / or Conclave:

• Increased Crowds: Expect massive crowds in Rome as people from around the world gather to pay respects.
• Accommodation: Finding accommodation in Rome might be challenging due to the influx of visitors.
• Transportation: Public transportation and roads around Vatican City could be congested.

There are also several sites that are closed during this time to accommodate the events taking place for the funeral and conclave. On the day of the Papal Funeral and the days surrounding it, the Vatican will be completely closed. During the Interregnum (the period between a Papal death or resignation and when a new Pope is chosen), the following activities and access to sites are temporarily suspended:

• No Papal Audience
• No Papal Blessings
• No Sistine Chapel Tours (the chapel is used for the Conclave)
• No Canonizations
• Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums are open as normal

If you happen to be traveling to Rome with 206 Tours during the time of a Papal Funeral and / or Conclave and are unable to visit certain sites due to closures, alternative activities will be offered.

View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages