5Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales)

The Vatican observes a nine-day mourning period known as the Novemdiales. This time includes daily Masses for the repose of the pope’s soul, held in St. Peter’s Basilica. Each day has a different cardinal presiding over the liturgy, and thousands of mourners—locals, pilgrims, and dignitaries—gather to pay their respects.
For the first few days, the pope’s body lies in state inside the Apostolic Palace, followed by public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica. This is also a time when tourists in Rome may experience significant changes in access to Vatican landmarks due to the influx of mourners and tightened security.

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