The Pope is Dead: How This Will Affect Tourism in Rome

April 22, 2025 By Business Trips, daytrip, Drivers, excursion, Limousine, Luxury Cars, Transport, what to do, what to visit Comments Off
The Pope is Dead: How This Will Affect Tourism in Rome

The Pope is Dead: How This Will Affect Tourism in Rome and Italy

With the recent passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Eternal City is preparing for an unprecedented wave of visitors. His funeral, scheduled for April 26, coincides with the early months of the 2025 Catholic Jubilee Year—a period that was already projected to draw tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome. Now, with the additional global interest in honoring the late pontiff, Rome and other parts of Italy are bracing for even more significant surges in tourism. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast during this time, here’s what you need to know.

Expect Crowds Like Never Before

Rome is no stranger to mass tourism, but the coming weeks will stretch the city’s infrastructure to its limits. The Vatican anticipates that several hundred thousand people will attend Pope Francis’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica. Combined with the millions expected for the Jubilee, the streets of Rome—especially around the Vatican—will be packed with pilgrims, tourists, clergy, and media personnel.

This will not be limited to the day of the funeral. The mourning period known as “Novemdiales,” lasting nine days, will involve daily masses and public gatherings, further congesting central Rome. After that there will be the Conclave period to choose the next Pope.

Tip for Travelers

  • Book accommodations early if you haven’t already done so. Prices are skyrocketing, and availability is becoming scarce.
  • Avoid Vatican City and central Rome during peak hours unless you’re attending the events.
  • Consider staying in less congested neighborhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, or even outside the city center.

The mourning period known as "Novemdiales," lasting nine days, will involve daily masses and public gatherings, further congesting central Rome.Major Changes in Transportation and Mobility

Rome has invested heavily in its infrastructure in preparation for Jubilee 2025, and those upgrades are now being stress-tested earlier than expected. One of the most significant changes is the pedestrianization of areas around Vatican City, especially Piazza Pia and Via della Conciliazione.

A newly constructed underpass near Castel Sant’Angelo has been opened to divert car traffic underground, allowing for a safer and more fluid pedestrian flow to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Public Transport Adjustments

  • Metro Lines A and B are operating at increased frequencies (but pay attention to the “pickpockets”).
  • The long-awaited Metro C Colosseum stop is now functional, easing pressure on central transport routes.
  • Bus lines are being rerouted to avoid pedestrian zones.

Tip for Travelers

  • Use the Metro instead of taxis/Ubers or buses when possible.
  • Purchase a Roma Pass for unlimited access to public transit and discounted entry to several attractions.
  • Download Rome’s official mobility app to check real-time updates and reroutes.

Rising Demand for Private Drivers (NCC Services)

With the surge in visitors, the demand for private transportation—especially Noleggio Con Conducente (NCC) services—is rising dramatically due to requests from not only tourism but also international institutions, delegations, and TV channels during the Conclave period. These professional drivers offer a comfortable, punctual, and personalized way to move through the crowded city or take excursions to nearby destinations like Florence, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast.

During peak periods such as papal funerals and Jubilee events, securing a private driver at the last minute will become increasingly difficult due to high demand.

Why Book Early

  • Ensure availability during busy days, especially if you have fixed travel plans or appointments.
  • Avoid inflated last-minute pricing (or scams).
  • Enjoy peace of mind with reliable, local experts who know the best routes and alternatives during closures or traffic jams.

Tip for Travelers

  • Book your NCC service as early as possible—ideally when you confirm your flights and accommodation.
  • Use licensed, insured drivers (aka NCC in Italian) with knowledge of local languages and customs.
  • Consider hiring a driver for full-day trips to sites like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast to avoid crowded trains and buses.

With the surge in visitors, the demand for private transportation—especially Noleggio Con Conducente (NCC) services—is rising dramatically due to requests from not only tourism but also international institutions, delegations, and TV channels during the Conclave periodExploring Beyond Rome: Naples and the Amalfi Coast

While the focus is on Rome, travelers are also venturing beyond the capital to experience the cultural and scenic richness of regions like Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast. These areas are ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds but still experience Italy’s vibrant spiritual and historical atmosphere.

Getting There

What to Do

  • In Naples, visit the Duomo di San Gennaro or the Monastery of Santa Chiara.
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum offer a deeper dive into history.
  • The Amalfi Coast provides stunning natural beauty, making it a great place to reflect or simply relax.

Tip for Travelers

The Emotional and Cultural Impact

Pope Francis was widely admired not only for his religious leadership but also for his humanitarian work and progressive stance on social issues. His death has moved millions around the globe, and his funeral will be more than a religious ceremony—it will be a profound cultural event.

As such, many tourists visiting Italy during this period are not just there to sightsee, but to pay their respects. This gives a different tone to travel in Rome and surrounding areas: one of reverence, reflection, and community.

Tip for Travelers

  • Be respectful of religious events and gatherings. Many people will be in mourning.
  • Dress modestly if you’re attending religious services or entering churches.
  • Participate in local customs if you’re comfortable; light a candle, attend a vigil, or observe a mass.

many tourists visiting Italy during this period are not just there to sightsee, but to pay their respects. This gives a different tone to travel in Rome and surrounding areas: one of reverence, reflection, and community in Rome after the pope deathFinal Travel Tips During This Time

  • Plan ahead and stay flexible. Things can change rapidly, from transport routes to museum hours.
  • Use official sources for information. Follow updates from the Vatican, Rome’s tourism board, and local news.
  • Expect delays and remain patient. Everyone from local Romans to international tourists is adjusting to the new reality.

Rome and Italy, at large, are entering a unique moment in modern history. For visitors, this can be an extraordinary opportunity to witness a deeply significant event, both spiritually and culturally. With careful planning and a respectful approach, your trip can be meaningful and unforgettable.

 

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