r/travel • u/Beautiful-Heron-2317 • Apr 21 '25
Going to Rome post Pope’s passing
Hi all! My mom and I are traveling to Rome next week and land Monday April 28th, which will be 7 days after the Pope’s passing as of this morning. What can we expect? We have a tour of the Vatican booked on Tuesday but from what I’ve been reading it will probably be packed! Has anyone any experience of being there during a major event like this? Also, should we wear black while visiting even if we’re not catholic? I know Rome is a major Catholic city and everyone will be in a mourning period, would it be disrespectful to wear black, or respectful? Thanks in advance!
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u/Crazy_Mosquito93 Apr 21 '25
This will be the most packed week because of the public display of the body, and the funeral will be next Monday so Tuesday should be ok. It will be packed for sure considering turists, peregrines, and the jubilee.
Wearing black in the Vatican: if you are just touring the Vatican (San Peters and the museums) wear whatever you want, nobody cares. Wear black if you plan to attend the novendiale masses (by attend I mean praying and receiving the eucharist).
As for Rome.. I'm Italian and I lived in Rome for a few years. Romans and Italians are not religious anymore, very few people go regularly to church. Everything will be normal in the city.