Vatican City in a time of mourning

EARLIER this week, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

Pope Francis, 88, died on Monday, April 21, from heart failure. His death follows a memorable appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, where he inspired a crowd estimated at over 35000 people.

Tributes have poured in from around the world as the estimated 1.4bn Catholics mourn the loss of a leader known for his compassion and progressive views.

Today, the Vatican is set to hold a funeral liturgy in St. Peter’s Square.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony, honouring the life and legacy of the man who devoted his life to serving others.

In light of the mourning period, many popular tourist attractions within the Vatican have been temporarily closed, with plans to reopen shortly after the funeral.

This solemn occasion has sparked an increase in travel to the Vatican as devoted Catholics and tourists seek to pay their respects and visit this holy city.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a significant year for the Catholic Church as it heralds the beginning of the Jubilee, a special year of grace dedicated to fostering spirituality within the community.

The Jubilee is projected to attract around 35 million visitors, making the Vatican a focal point of pilgrimage and celebration.

As visitors plan their journeys to Rome during this holy period, numerous iconic attractions await them.

Attractions to visit

With its collection of some of the most monumental works of art globally and its iconic buildings, it’s no surprise that a trip to the Vatican is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience.