Brits' mad dash to Rome

FLIGHT bookings to Rome have spiked by 400% as a mass pilgrimage of devoted Brit mourners begins.

- by KATE NELSON

Thousands are desperate to pay their last respects to Pope Francis and a scramble is now under way to secure travel arrangements.

But it's sent plane prices soaring, while almost all hotels are sold out in the city from Friday to Sunday, according to Booking.com.

Travellers are keen to arrive in time to hear the announcement of a new Pope as well as to say their goodbyes to the Catholic leader.

Travel website On the Beach saw a flood of bookings just hours after the “People’s Pope” passed away on Easter Monday aged 88.