The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, has sent ripples of grief and reflection across the world.
As the beloved leader of 1.3 billion Catholics, his life and passing are not just a deeply spiritual moment but also a historic event that’s reshaping global travel patterns, particularly to Rome.
The Eternal City is preparing for an influx of pilgrims and tourists eager to pay their respects, attend the funeral, and witness the conclave that will elect the next pope.
Pope Francis, known for his humility and progressive reforms, led the Catholic Church for 12 years after becoming the first-ever Latin American pope in 2013.
His legacy includes advocating for the poor, promoting inclusivity, and addressing climate change. His death at 88, attributed to a stroke and heart failure, has drawn millions to reflect on his impact.
According to online reports, starting April 23, his body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands are expected to pay their final respects.
The funeral on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square will be a global event, with world leaders and faithful Catholics in attendance. Uniquely, Pope Francis requested a simple wooden coffin and chose to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a departure from the Vatican’s traditional papal burial practices.
For South Africans, planning a last-minute trip to Rome presents unique hurdles.
“Independent Media Lifestyle” reached out to Mark Chronhout, a travel agent at Tripos Travel in Cape Town, who explained that the combination of logistical challenges and seasonal demand is creating difficulties for prospective travellers.
The first is flight availability as the travel agent explained that April, with its many public holidays as well as a month when schools take a break, is a popular time to travel to Europe.
“Flights are already quite full during this time of the year, and it is also a time when Europe is warming up and is in spring,” he said.
Chronhout added that by midday on Monday, April 22, most of the flights to Rome from Cape Town were almost at capacity.
There are also visa protocols, which could take up to a month, to factor in when it comes to flying to Rome.
“South Africans will need a Schengen Visa to travel to Italy,” Chronhout said.
“There is, on average, a two to three-week waiting list for a visa appointment and then around the same time for it to arrive.”
He did, however, note that some visas could be issued in less than four weeks, but that travellers should take note of delays.
“South African passport holders may struggle if they are looking to get to Rome in a short amount of time.”
There is also the cost factor to account for as Chronhout said that round trips, which include a flight to Rome as well as back to South Africa, could cost anything from R23 000 for economy class to over R450 000 for first class.
“Economy class usually costs around R23 000 to R33 000, business class is about R130 000 and first class could be as much as R467 000.”
The passing of Pope Francis has not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church but has also created a historic moment in global travel. For South Africans, the journey to Rome is a mix of logistical hurdles and profound spiritual significance.
Whether travelling for faith, history, or personal reflection, the influx of pilgrims underscores the enduring power of Pope Francis’ legacy.
As the world pays its respects, Rome stands as a testament to the unity and resilience of the human spirit.
In this time of loss, the Eternal City reminds us of the timeless values Pope Francis embodied: humility, compassion, and hope.
