Pope Francis’s funeral is all set to take place in Saint Peter’s Square directly in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the papal enclave in Rome.
According to CNN, Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Then, thousands of people from all around the world wanted to pay their last respects to the pope, who was popular not only among the Catholics because of his policies and ideologies.
The funeral of history’s first Latin American pontiff will be held at a time when the foreign visitors are already reaching all-time highs while Rome is also more crowded than usual because of the Vatican Jubilee.
Here is a complete guide for the people planning to visit Rome to attend the funeral of the pope.
How to reach there?
Rome has two international airports. Fiumicino, around 17 miles (27 kilometres) southwest of the city centre, is Italy’s busiest airport and the hub for non-European airlines.
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train departs every 15 minutes for Termini station in the city centre. Alternatively, taxis charge a fixed rate of 55 euros ($58) to destinations within the city walls. Buses to Termini take 50 minutes and cost 9.90 euros ($10.40) return.
Ciampino, southeast of the city, is much smaller and closer to central Rome. A taxi costs a fixed 40 euros ($42), or buses to Termini take 40 minutes and cost 9.90 euros.
Where to stay?
As it is obvious the hotels are already heavily booked because of the Jubilee, it is better to stay near St Peter’s.
Vatican City sits on the west side of the Tiber; the rione (district) of Prati is right above it; Campo Marzio is just across the water, while anywhere near Campo de’ Fiori or Piazza Navona is also an easy walk to the Vatican.
If you did not get anything there, then the nearest metro stop to the Vatican is at Ottaviano. Stay anywhere around Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps) or the cheaper areas around Piazza della Repubblica and Termini train station.
Funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am in St Peter’s Square outside the basilica and will be open to the public.
The basilica will be open until midnight Wednesday, from 7 am to midnight Thursday, and from 7 am to 7 pm Friday. At 8 pm there will be a ceremony for the closing of the coffin.
