Pope Francis Death During the 2025 Jubilee

What Happens Now, What History Tells Us, and What Tourists Should Expect

Pope Francis’ death is a moment of profound global significance. Its occurrence during the 2025 Jubilee Year—a time traditionally reserved for celebration, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal—adds both gravity and complexity to the unfolding events in Rome. The city, already welcoming millions of pilgrims, now finds itself in mourning, preparing for solemn ceremonies, and looking ahead to the election of a new pontiff.

This article offers an overview of what happens after the pope’s death, what history tells us about similar moments, and how visitors in Rome may be affected during this extraordinary time.

What Happens After Pope Francis’ Death?

Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican enters a period known as sede vacante, or “the vacant seat.” The Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, formally certifies the pope’s death and takes steps to secure papal belongings. The symbolic destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring follows, marking the end of Pope Francis’s authority.

The next nine days are dedicated to mourning in a period called the Novendiale, during which daily Masses are celebrated in remembrance. Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners are expected to file past to pay their respects. We currently don’t know when the body will be exposed.

In keeping with his humble leadership style, Pope Francis expressed the desire to be buried not in the Vatican Grottoes but in Santa Maria Maggiore, a basilica he often visited in prayer throughout his papacy.

The Conclave: Electing a New Pope

After the funeral rites conclude, attention will turn to the College of Cardinals, who will meet in conclave to elect a new pope. The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to the public until a new pontiff is chosen. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and once inside, they remain sequestered until a two-thirds majority vote produces the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The last conclave lasted only two days, but it’s impossible to predict the duration of the next one

This ancient and symbolic process is rich with ritual and secrecy. For those interested in learning more, the 2024 historical film The Conclave offers a dramatized but thoughtful depiction of the events surrounding a papal election. Also worth watching is Nanni Moretti’s poignant and insightful Habemus Papam – We have a Pope (2011), which explores the emotional weight a newly elected pope might experience in the moment of acceptance.

A Rare Occurrence: Papal Death During a Jubilee

Pope Francis’ death during the Jubilee of 2025 is not without precedent, though such moments are extremely rare. In 1700, Pope Innocent XII passed away during the Holy Year, disrupting the spiritual and logistical flow of pilgrims arriving in Rome. His death was followed by the election of Pope Clement XI, who was chosen in a conclave held in November of that same year.

Earlier still, Pope Urban VI died in 1389 after announcing a Jubilee to be held the following year. Pope Boniface VIII, who declared the very first Holy Year in 1300, died three years later, in 1303. These historical instances reflect the solemn balance between ongoing spiritual observance and institutional transition during such sacred periods.

What Visitors to Rome Should Know

Pope Francis’ death will bring several temporary changes to daily life in Rome, especially for those planning to visit religious and cultural landmarks.

St. Peter’s Basilica will be closed to tourists during the Novendiale and the funeral. During this time, access is reserved for mourners, clergy, and dignitaries. We don’t know exactly when the tourist activities inside St. Peter’s will be suspended, but probably already since today.

As the site of the conclave, the Sistine Chapel will be closed to visitors until the election of the next pope is complete. While the Vatican Museums are expected to remain open, certain routes may be altered or restricted.

All papal events, including the traditional Sunday Angelus and Wednesday General Audience, are suspended until a new pope is elected.

With Rome already receiving a large number of pilgrims for the Jubilee, Pope Francis’ death has brought an additional surge of visitors. Crowds around Vatican City will grow significantly during the days of mourning and during the conclave.

A Moment of Reflection in the Eternal City

Though some key sites will be inaccessible in the coming days, this is a powerful and rare opportunity to witness living history. Pope Francis’ death marks not just the end of a papacy, but the beginning of a global spiritual transition. The mood in Rome—normally a mix of awe and anticipation during Jubilee celebrations—has shifted into one of reverence and solemnity.

Many visitors find themselves drawn to quieter spaces during this time: historic churches tucked away in side streets, ancient pilgrimage routes, and spots long associated with prayer and contemplation. Places like Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be laid to rest, and San Giovanni in Laterano, the pope’s official cathedral as Bishop of Rome, have taken on deeper meaning in recent days.

Looking Forward

In the coming weeks, the world will watch as the Church prepares to elect a new pope. Pope Francis death is both a pause and a turning point, reminding the faithful—and those simply drawn to this moment—of the enduring power of tradition and the responsibilities of spiritual leadership.

Visitors to Rome during this historic time will leave with more than photographs or souvenirs. They’ll carry with them a rare and intimate connection to a moment that will be remembered in Church history for generations.