At 9:45 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis. After multiple reports of ill health covered in the media, Pope Francis made an appearance at the Vatican over Easter weekend as well-wishers piled into the heart of the Catholic Church. The pope later died as a result of a stroke and heart failure, according to Reuters.
From the Casa Santa Marta, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
On Tuesday, April 22, the Holy See Press Office announced plans for Pope Francis’s body to lie in state and the subsequent funeral. On Wednesday, April 23, the coffin containing the pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. The funeral follows on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. As an estimated 1.3 billion Catholics around the world begin a period of mourning, and the system for electing a new pope begins, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the occasion.
How will the pope’s death affect travel to Rome?
Travel to Rome won’t be directly impacted during the pope’s funeral and subsequent papal conclave. Flights and trains are expected to run as usual. However, travelers should expect the city to be busier than usual as the faithful arrive to pay their respects. Pope Francis’s death comes at a time when the Italian capital is already expecting more visitors than usual because this year marks Jubilee 2025 in Rome.
Will the Vatican be closed to tourists after the pope’s death?
Pope Francis’s death triggers nine days of official mourning. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed to the public during this time, as are most shops and restaurants. Tours of the Vatican will also be paused during the busy funeral period and papal conclave, as cardinals are guided through the Vatican between voting rounds.
