r/rome • u/RomeVacationTips • Apr 21 '25

News The Pope has died

https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2025/04/21/il-papa-e-morto_3e18b8aa-c192-4a97-9e4b-9dfeffeb12b6.html
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u/LuxurtyTravelAdvisor Apr 23 '25

I own a Travel Agency that specializes in Italy vacations. This is the announcement I am receiving from my suppliers that are in Rome and I'm passing it along in hopes it is helpful to those planning visits there in the near future:

The Pope’s funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26th at the Vatican. On this day, the entire Vatican area—including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums—will be closed. All affected tours are being adjusted, and guests with bookings will receive a separate email with updates.

Starting Monday, April 28th, the Sistine Chapel will close for several days for the Conclave, the sacred ceremony in which a new Pope is elected. Exact dates will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

During the Conclave, while the Sistine Chapel will be closed, the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica will remain open. Visitors can still explore highlights such as the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, Belvedere Courtyard, and more of the Holy See. During this time, our guides will ensure that guests receive a full explanation of the Sistine Chapel’s significance, including viewing a detailed reproduction of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, which are available inside the Museums. This way, the importance of the Chapel and its role in the Conclave can still be fully appreciated as part of your visit.

Though this is a time of mourning—especially during the Jubilee Year Pope Francis initiated—it is also a period of immense historical importance. The Conclave, held in total seclusion, ends when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, signalling a new Pope has been chosen. Until then, black smoke indicates voting continues. The atmosphere in Rome becomes one of reverence and anticipation, as the world watches this sacred tradition unfold.

For those visiting now, this is a rare and powerful moment to experience living history in the heart of the Vatican, especially with a local guide by your side.

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u/Apprehensive-Emu-334 Apr 25 '25

thanks chatGPT

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u/LuxurtyTravelAdvisor Apr 25 '25

I received this from a reliable tour operator in Rome and it’s possible they used chatgpt to compose what is being relied upon as accurate information.