Visiting Rome During a Papal Conclave? 7 Things Tourists Will Witness
Rome, already one of the most visited cities in the world, becomes even more magnetic when the Catholic Church gathers to elect a new pope. The ancient ritual of the papal conclave turns the Vatican into the epicenter of global attention, drawing pilgrims, journalists, and curious travelers alike.
If you happen to be in Rome during these days of Conclave in May 2025, you’re in for a rare and unforgettable experience. Beyond the solemnity and grandeur of the process, there are unique moments, symbols, and places that come alive in ways most tourists never get to see.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, where to go, and how to fully experience the spiritual and cultural magic of a papal election in Rome.
1. St. Peter’s Square Becomes the World’s Most Watched Stage
During a conclave, Piazza San Pietro is where everything happens. Crowds gather day and night to look up at the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, waiting for the famous smoke signals that will announce the outcome of the vote:
- Black smoke = No pope yet
- White smoke = Habemus Papam (we have a pope)
Tourists mix with journalists and faithful locals, creating a unique, buzzing atmosphere of suspense and celebration.
2. The Sistine Chapel Is Closed to Visitors — But More Sacred Than Ever
The Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s "Last Judgment" and "Creation of Adam," is closed during the conclave. That’s because cardinals from around the world enter its doors to vote in complete isolation.
While you won’t be able to enter, standing outside knowing what’s happening within adds a layer of awe and reverence unmatched in any museum tour.
3. The Chimney That Signals the Future
A temporary chimney is installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, visible from St. Peter’s Square. Several times a day, smoke will rise to tell the world if a new pope has been chosen.
Photographers and travelers camp out for hours just to capture the moment when white smoke curls into the Roman sky — a once-in-a-lifetime image.
4. Global Media Presence and Open-Air Broadcasts
During the conclave, television crews from across the globe flood the square. Massive screens are often set up around the Vatican and in key tourist areas to broadcast live updates.
Even if you're far from the Vatican, you'll find bars, hotels, and public squares tuned in to follow every detail — blending tourism with history in real time.
5. A Chance to Witness “Habemus Papam” Live
When a new pope is finally elected, he will appear from the
central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first blessing:
"Habemus Papam!" — “We have a Pope!”
Crowds erupt in joy, bells ring across the city, and the emotional weight of the moment leaves a lasting impression on anyone present.
6. Vatican Museums and Religious Sites Take on New Meaning
Even outside the Sistine Chapel, other Vatican sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo are imbued with renewed significance.
Many tourists find themselves reflecting more deeply on what they see — sensing that they are part of a living history unfolding in front of them.
7. Souvenirs, Special Tours, and Papal Memorabilia
Local shops and guided tours adapt to the moment, offering limited edition memorabilia, books on past popes, and even walking tours that explain the papal election process.
It’s the perfect time to take home something meaningful that captures the uniqueness of your trip.
Pro Tips for Tourists During a Papal Conclave
- Arrive early at St. Peter’s Square for the best view and photos.
- Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites.
- Stay near Vatican City if you want to witness the events at any time.
- Be patient: roads may be blocked, security may be tighter.
- Join a Vatican guided tour focused on papal history — it will deepen your experience.
Conclusion: A Journey into History, Faith, and Culture
To witness a papal conclave in Rome is to experience a moment where religion, tradition, and history converge. It’s not just about who becomes the next pope — it’s about being part of something bigger, standing in the heart of a global event that happens only a few times in a lifetime.
So if you’re visiting Rome when the white smoke rises, take a moment, look around, and realize:
you are standing exactly where history is being made.
