Life between the Conclav and where the smoke is best seen

The Vatican and Rome are these days the center of the world. After the death of Pope Francis 21. April and mourning, when the long ranks of the villas of the villa in front of St. Peter’s basilica to say goodbye to the popular pope on Wednesday, May 7, began the ending – The ancient process of elections of the new chief of the Catholic Church. Cardinal voters from all over the world are closed behind the door of Sistine Chapels, The eyes of the world are on a small chimney above itwho will announce the outcome of the vote with black or white smoke.

A visit to Rome during this time can be a unique experience, we are witnessing a rare historical moment. But as reported EuronewsVisitors must also prepare for extremely crowds, restrictions and higher prices. The city was flooded with tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists who want to be part of what is happening.

The procedure for elected a new pope is carried out in strict secrecy. One hundred and thirty -three cardinals under the age of 80 are imprisoned in the Sistine Chapel until they have elected Saint Peter’s successor. They vote several times a day. After every two rounds of voting, they burn ballots; If the pope is not elected, a special accessory is created by black smoke that is smoked from the chimney above the chapel. When one of the candidates receives the two -thirds majority of plus one voice, white smoke comes from the chimney – a sign that the church has a new pope. It then welcomes believers from the balcony (Lodge) of St. Peter’s Basil and award the famous blessing « Urbi et orbi » (city and world).

After reporting National Catholic Reporteryou can expect smoke from the Sistine Chapel twice a day – around noon after the first two votes and around 7pm in the evening after the last round of voting for that day. White smoke could also appear earlier, around 10.30 or 5.30 pm if the pope is elected in the first round of each set of votes. Although there is no specified deadline, the last popes were elected within two to three days from the beginning of the Conclav.

Visit Rome between the Conclav: The crowded and closed sights

For tourists, a visit to Rome also means certain adjustments during this time. The biggest attraction, the Sistine Chapel, is closed to the public due to the concact and will probably remain closed for a few days after the election end, perhaps even in mid -May, warns Euronews. The Vatican museums remain open, including the famous Rafael rooms. For safety reasons and movements of cardinals, there are temporarily stopped necropolis views under the basilica and the Vatican gardens.

Many crowds and long queues can also be expected in front of St. Peter’s basilica, where a strict dress code (covered shoulders and knees) is considered. The fact that 2025 is also the anniversary of the Catholic Church is also contributed to the crowd. More visitors are also expected in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Snow, where Pope Francis is now buried. Due to exceptional demand, according to sources such as Fiter and Hotelplannergreatly raised the prices of airline tickets and hotel accommodation in Rome. Some shops and restaurants near the Vatican may also be closed in respect.

For tourists, a visit to Rome also means certain adjustments during this time. Photo: Kevin Coombs/Reuters

Although a missed opportunity to see Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel can be disappointed, the presence of proclaiming the new pope is a truly unique experience. St. Peter’s Square was and will be packed full and difficult to access. The seller of religious souvenirs Mondo Cattolicoas reported Euronewstherefore proposes some alternative locations for smoke observation: a wide via della conciliazione, which leads to the market, offers a good view from a greater distance; The less accomplished Piazza Pio XII market just off the colonades gives a full view of the basilica; The panoramic view of the Vatican and the Chimney is offered by the nearby angelic bridge (Ponte Sant’agelo) and the terrace of the Angel Castle (Castel Sant’agelo). Good views can also be offered by the terraces of nearby hotels and cafes.

Expectations before election

The Vatican is also accompanied by numerous foreign visitors. American television Cbs asked some about their expectations about the new Pope. Opinions are different. Some point out that the Holy Spirit will lead the cardinals in the decision. « No matter what, he will be the successor to Christ, it’s not my opinion, » said the American tourist. The second, by profession, are viewed more politically by the election: “He is as a policy in the United States. There is another government above. « 

A recent survey Cbs Among American Catholics, she found that 42 percent want the successor to continue the teaching of Pope Francis. Most respondents also support the possibility of marriage for priests, consecrating women to priests and using contraception, although opinions are among the regular visitors of the masses and those who do not visit the churches frequently, shared. Priest and connoisseur of the church Thomas Reese after Cbs He points to the crisis of Catholicism in the United States and in the West in general: “Young people are simply not interested and leaving … About one of three baptized catholics in the United States is no more identified as a Catholic. That’s a huge number!  » Alex Harold from Missouri’s for Cbs He said that the new pope does not need to be left or right, but must « unite faith » and that the papacy « does not have to adapt to time, since it is two thousand years old. »

After every two rounds of voting, they burn ballots; If the pope is not elected, a special accessory is created by black smoke that is smoked from the chimney above the chapel. Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP

Rome thus lives these days in anticipation of the decision from the Sistine Chapel, which will direct the route of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide in the coming years. The event combines a deep religious tradition, political dimensions and a unique experience for all those who have found themselves in an eternal city in this historic moment.