Exploring Rome amidst the Papal Conclave: sightseeing destinations and navigational tips

Nestled smack-dab in the center of the Eternal City, Roma, surrounded by some of its most historical and spiritual landmarks, the Vatican is about to grab the world's attention in the next few weeks. With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 due to a series of health issues, a unique series of events is now underway in this tiny city-state.

This tradition-rich event, known as the Papal Conclave, is where high-ranking Catholic clergymen, called cardinals, gather to appoint a new pope. The process might be as formal and conservative as a royal succession, yet it also includes public viewing elements. If you're planning a trip to Rome in the coming weeks, chances are you'll get a taste of this once-in-a-lifetime religious event, whether you're exploring St. Peter's Square or just sightseeing during the event. Here's a rundown of this exclusive religious event and what you can expect.

So, What's the Papal Conclave?

This age-old tradition can trace its roots back to the 13th Century. It's where cardinals select a new pope when the current one dies or steps down. Given that Pope Francis passed away while serving, this conclave differs slightly from the last one in 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI chose to step down. The sequence of events will likely unfold as follows:

After a nine-day mourning period—which began April 26, on the day of Pope Francis's funeral—the conclave is expected to kick off on May 7.
In the famous Sistine Chapel, 134 cardinals will gather, including under Michaelangelo's world-renowned frescoed ceiling, to choose the next pope. The chapel will be sealed, meaning the cardinals inside won't be able to leave until a new pope is selected. The voting process will then begin. In recent times, conclaves have lasted for just a few days, with both Pope Francis and his predecessor being chosen following two-day conclaves.
The pope is chosen through a secret ballot process steeped in political maneuvering. Every day of the conclave, the cardinals recycle their ballots after the voting session. The smoke from the ensuing fires, mixed with chemicals, emerges from a chimney situated on the Sistine Chapel's roof. Black smoke signals the cardinals haven't reached a consensus, while white smoke indicates a new pope has been chosen.

What Can You Expect in Rome During the Conclave?

As the cardinals convene, pilgrims, onlookers, and the press are anticipated to pile up in St. Peter's Square in front of the basilica, waiting for updates. If you're navigating the Vatican during, before, or after the conclave, tight security and some closures of popular sites can be expected. Be sure to check whether popular spots like the basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are open before you arrive, as they might have intermittent and short-notice closures.

If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the white smoke signaling a new pope, the somewhat minimalistic-looking rooftop of the Sistine Chapel, to the right of the basilica dome if you're facing it, will likely be your focus. The slim metal chimney is a temporary addition that will be put up during the conclave.

Other Happenings in and Around the Vatican

In addition to the Papal Conclave, 2025 is also a Jubilee year in the Catholic Church, which is a 12-month celebration of religious practice and pilgrimage. Though Pope John Paul II declared this event back in 2000, themed around hope, celebratory events will take place throughout the world, particularly in Rome. During your visit, you may bump into large numbers of Catholic pilgrims and clergymen throughout the city, with a significant concentration in and around St. Peter's Square.

Dodging the Crowds

The summer rush hasn't hit Rome just yet, but the city is bustling. Tourists are packing restaurants, lines at popular sites are just as long as ever, and timed tickets are in high demand. If you fancy getting a taste of papal grandeur without braving the throngs at St. Peter's Basilica, consider visiting one of the other papal basilicas in the city. There are three of them, each dedicated to different church figures. Designed to show off the greatness of God and the Church's wealth and power, these basilicas are sure to impress you with their sheer size and beauty.

One of these basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore, was the site of Pope Francis's burial. One of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was constructed in A.D. 434. The structure has remained largely intact since then, though it has undergone several renovations and restorations. Francis's tomb is now viewable to the general public, although expect a wait to get in.

The other two papal basilicas generally see fewer crowds and offer just as much visual appeal as Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Peter's Basilica. The Archbasilica of St John of Lateran and the Basilica of St Paul Outside-the-Walls are located further from central Rome and its famous historical sites. Both basilicas are worth a visit for their Baroque-style interiors, centuries-old mosaics, and altars bedecked with precious stones.

At St Paul Outside-the-Walls (so-called because early Christians weren't permitted to be buried within city limits), the cloister with its colorful tiled columns and small garden is an extra fee to enter, but well worth it.

Pro Tips for Visiting Rome

Keep in mind that streets, hotels, restaurants, and shops in and around the Vatican will be busy throughout the Papal Conclave and during the Jubilee.

To avoid the crowds, think about staying in a different neighborhood. Choosing a hotel outside of the Vatican area will allow you to use public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares to reach the essential sights. I've found Rome's public buses to be efficient and affordable, with an unlimited daily pass priced at €7 and an unlimited weekly pass at €24. Better yet, the city now offers touchless ticket scanning—a nice break from the tradition-bound atmosphere.

Prize yourself a little extra walking time when taking rideshares or taxis and getting dropped off a few blocks away from the Vatican and other major sites. This minor adjustment will save you time and make things easier for your driver.

If Rome is on your travel list this year and you wish to avoiding the Papal Conclave altogether, consider visiting in late autumn. The summer crowds will have dispersed, cooler weather will make exploring more comfortable, and the Jubilee celebrations will still be ongoing.

Enrichment Data:

The Process of the Papal Conclave

The Papal Conclave is the Catholic Church’s process for electing a new pope. This process consists of several key stages:

Pre-Conclave Meetings: Before the conclave, cardinals gather for general congregations to discuss the future of the Church and the qualities needed in the next pope.
Opening Mass and Entry into Conclave: A special Mass takes place at St. Peter's Basilica. Following the Mass, eligible voting cardinals (those under 80) proceed to the Sistine Chapel.
Lockdown and Voting: The cardinals are sealed inside the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is elected. The process begins with a call to secrecy, "extra omnes," and cardinals take an oath of secrecy.
Voting Procedure:
Randomly Chosen Officials: Nine cardinals are chosen at random to manage the vote, with three Scrutineers to count votes, three to collect them, and three to audit them.
Balloting: Cardinals write their preferred candidate’s name on a ballot and fold it twice to ensure anonymity. They then drop the ballot into a chalice under Michelangelo's fresco of the Last Judgment.
Cardinals must receive two-thirds of the vote to be elected pope. If no candidate receives this majority, the ballots are burned, resulting in black smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney during inconclusive rounds.
Continuation of Conclave: The conclave continues with up to four votes per day. If no pope is elected after four days, the fifth day involves prayer and reflection before proceeding.

Visitor Experience in Rome

During the Papal Conclave, visitors in Rome can experience several unique aspects:

Atmosphere and Anticipation: The city is filled with excitement and speculation as the conclave unfolds. Many gather near St. Peter's Square to wait for news of the election.
Security Measures: Given the secretive nature of the conclave, there is heightened security around the Vatican.
Ceremonial Mass: The opening Mass at St. Peter's Basilica can be attended by visitors, though access may be limited.
Smoke Signals: Visitors can observe the smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, as white smoke signals the election of a new pope, while black smoke indicates inconclusive rounds.
Crowds and Events: St. Peter's Square becomes a hub for pilgrims and media, offering a lively and historical setting to witness the announcement of a new pope.

As the Papal Conclave approaches, the tiled columns of the cloister at St Paul Outside-the-Walls, a papal basilica in Rome, will likely become a popular sightseeing spot for visitors seeking to capture the unique atmosphere of the religious event.
Despite the tight security measures and possible closures of popular sites within the Vatican during the Papal Conclave, lifestyle enthusiasts and travelers planning a trip to Rome can still immerse themselves in the city's rich history and vibrant culture by exploring lesser-known places such as Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the papal basilicas that saw Pope Francis's burial.
As the world awaits the outcome of the Papal Conclave, visitors to Rome will have the opportunity to witness the mechanisms of the traditional events unfold, from the vote count taking place under Michelangelo's world-renowned frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel to the smoke signals emerging from the chimney on the rooftop signaling a new pope's election.