How to Visit Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral
I never thought I’d be planning a trip like this. Not for vacation, not for adventure, not even for a wedding or a celebration. This time, it’s different. This time, I’m traveling to say goodbye — to a man I never met, but who somehow felt close. Pope Francis. The Holy Father. A man of peace, kindness, and quiet strength.
When I first heard the news, I didn’t move. I just sat there, staring. My coffee had gone cold. Outside, the world kept going — cars passed, people walked, birds chirped. But for me, time paused for a moment. I felt like something had ended.
Then I knew — I had to go. I had to be there. Not because I’m special. Not because I had some duty. Just because… it felt right. Sometimes, we just know.
So, if you’re reading this, and thinking of going too, maybe this can help. Not a travel guide, really. Just a simple walk-through. One person’s thoughts. One person’s path to Rome.
Step One: Making the Choice
First things first — don’t wait too long to decide. The longer you wait, the more expensive flights become, the harder it is to find a place to stay. But don’t stress. This isn’t about luxury or having the perfect plan. It’s just about being there.
I told myself: this doesn’t have to be fancy. I just need a ticket, a roof, and the will to go. That’s it.
Flights and Getting There
Rome’s main airport is called Fiumicino. It sounds like “fee-you-mee-chee-no.” You’ll see it written as FCO. That’s where most international flights land. I booked mine with a few clicks — not the cheapest ticket, but not the worst either.
If you’re in Europe, lucky you. Trains or low-cost airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet will get you there quickly. If you’re coming from farther away, be ready for long hours, and maybe a layover or two.
Still — worth it. Every second.
When you land, there are trains, buses, and taxis into the city. The train is fast and easy. Just follow the signs.
Where to Stay
I didn’t need anything fancy. Just a bed, a bathroom, and a door that locked. I ended up in a small guesthouse in Trastevere — a neighborhood filled with winding streets, laundry hanging from windows, and little cafes where old men sip espresso and watch the day go by.
But honestly? You can stay anywhere. Rome is walkable. And for the funeral, all roads lead to the Vatican.
You might also look into monastery stays. Yes, real ones. Some offer rooms to pilgrims. They’re peaceful. Quiet. Simple. And you feel close to something old and holy.
Packing: Less Is More
You don’t need much. A couple shirts. A jacket if it gets chilly. Something clean and modest for the funeral day. I packed black pants and a gray shirt — not because I had to, but it just felt respectful.
Bring shoes you can stand in for hours. Seriously. I saw so many people with sore feet, wincing with every step. Don’t be them.
I carried:
- A small backpack
- A water bottle
- Tissues (trust me, you’ll need them)
- A notebook and pen
- Snacks — crackers, fruit, nuts
- A power bank for my phone
That’s it. Travel light. It makes things easier.
The Vatican: Where the World Gathers
You’ll know when you’re getting close. The crowds. The flags. The quiet energy in the air. The closer you get to St. Peter’s Square, the more you feel it — the hush, the reverence, the sense that something sacred is about to happen.
Get there early. Earlier than you think. I arrived before sunrise, wrapped in a scarf, watching the sky turn from black to gray to pale gold. Around me were strangers — but not really strangers. We were all here for the same reason.
Some prayed silently. Some clutched rosaries. Some just looked around, quietly, taking it in.
Security is there, of course. Be patient. They check bags. It takes time. No big backpacks, no sharp objects. Just keep it simple.
The Funeral: A Moment Beyond Words
It’s hard to describe what it’s like to stand in that square with thousands of others, all sharing a single breath, a single goodbye. The air is thick with silence and sorrow. Not loud sobbing — just quiet tears. Gentle nods. Hands on hearts.
I stood next to a woman from Argentina. She had come alone. She whispered, “He was our Pope. He was the world’s Pope.” I just nodded.
The ceremony was long, but it didn’t feel long. Time sort of… floats. There were prayers, hymns, incense. Bells that rang and made the sky feel bigger.
I didn’t take many pictures. It didn’t feel right. This wasn’t a time for selfies. It was a time to be present.
After the Funeral: Let It Sink In
Don’t rush. Don’t try to do too much. After the funeral, I just walked. I didn’t know where I was going. I let my feet guide me. Down narrow streets. Past fountains and open windows. Rome has a way of holding you gently.
Later, I sat by the Tiber River, watching the water flow slowly under the bridges. I didn’t think much. Just breathed. Just let the day soak into my skin.
A Few More Peaceful Places
If you’re staying a few more days, visit:
- San Giovanni in Laterano – the true cathedral of Rome
- Santa Maria in Trastevere – soft golden light and silence
- The Church of Santo Spirito – close to the Vatican, often overlooked, but full of peace
- The Aventine Keyhole – a tiny peephole with a perfect view of the Vatican dome
Skip the tourist spots, if you want. Just walk. Listen. Sit. Rome is a city that gives, if you’re quiet enough to receive.
Budgeting, Simply
Here’s what I spent, roughly:
- Flight: $700
- Room for 4 nights: $400
- Food (mostly pasta and pizza): $100
- Transport and tickets: $50
- Misc (candles, tips, small gifts): $50
Total: Around $1300 — not cheap, but every cent was worth it.
You can do it cheaper. Hostels, shared rooms, fewer meals out. But honestly, even if you have to stretch, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Final Notes
You don’t have to be Catholic. You don’t have to be religious. If you feel called, go. That’s enough.
There’s something powerful about standing together in grief and grace. Something human. Something ancient.
You’ll come back changed. Not in a loud way. But in small, quiet ways. The kind that last.
And One Last Thought
As I flew home, I watched the clouds out the window. I thought about Pope Francis. His smile. His words. The way he talked about mercy and love, about the poor, the forgotten, the lonely.
And I thought: maybe that’s the point of it all. To be kind. To show up. To care, even when it’s hard.
Maybe going to Rome wasn’t about the funeral. Maybe it was about remembering how to live.
