Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church died on Monday, after battling double pneumonia and other health issues earlier this year.
His body is currently lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, where streams of mourners have gathered to pay respects.
The basilica will be open to the public until midnight Thursday and 7 p.m. Friday, for prayer and mourning.
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Here’s what to know about visiting the Vatican before and after Pope Francis’ funeral.
What is the best way to get to the Vatican?
Vatican City is surrounded by Rome.
The nearest major airport with transatlantic flights is Rome Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport (FCO). There’s also another airport in Rome – Rome Ciampino “G.B. Pastine” Airport (CIA) – but that primarily serves European budget airlines traveling within Europe.
Upon arriving in Rome, travelers can take a bus, metro, tram or taxi to Vatican City.
How much is a trip to Rome?
Airfares vary widely by point of origin and airline, but as of Thursday morning, Norse Atlantic Airways had last-minute flights between New York and Rome for under $500 roundtrip. Airfares on other airlines and from other cities easily cost twice as much.
Well-reviewed hotel rooms are still available in Rome for upwards of $200 nightly, according to Expedia.
Expedia reports that lodging queries for Rome have jumped 35% this week which airfare searches have gone up 250%.
Can US citizens travel to Vatican City?
Yes.
Neither a passport nor visa are required to enter Vatican City, which is an independent sovereign state.
However, a passport is required to enter Italy.
Currently Italy does not require tourist visas for U.S. citizens visiting for less than 90 days. However, starting in late next year, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) approval will be required to visit Italy and other countries with the European Union’s Schengen Area.
The State Department warns travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting Italy due to potential terrorism and recommends travelers sign up for its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in case of emergencies.
Can I just visit the Vatican?
Typically, yes, but this is not a typical week. The Vatican Museums website advises:
- The Vatican Museums and Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex will be closed Saturday for mourning.
- The Sistine Chapel will close to the public starting Monday for the papal conclave to select the next pope.
- Tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are temporarily suspended.
Also, while St. Peter’s Basilica will be open to the public Thursday and Friday, its dome will be closed until Sunday.
Visitors should note that paid tickets and reservations are required for some Vatican experiences.
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What time is the funeral for the pope?
The funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican time is 6 hours ahead of ET.
How can I watch the pope’s funeral?
The Vatican will livestream the funeral mass and internment on its website and Vatican News YouTube channel. The Vatican has already posted the booklet for the celeration on its website.
Several major networks, including NBC, CBS and ABC, also plan to air the funeral live on TV and/or their streaming channels.
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Where is Pope Francis being buried?
Unlike many of his papal predecessors interred at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will be buried outside the Vatican at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
In his official testament, dated June 29, 2022, and published by Vatican News following his death, Pope Francis wrote:
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
Travelers who can’t make it to the Vatican before the pope’s funeral can visit the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major down the line. It’s open daily and free to enter.
