"...the Vatican museums, the Basiclica and the Scavi would be closed! Closed??!!! For how long??!!"

They will remain closed until a new Pope is chosen. St. Peter's Square will of course be open and the rest of the city will be open as well. Those who are considering travel to Rome explicitly to see the Vatican Museums, the Basilica and the Scavi need to think about this, however.

I have no idea how long this process takes.

Since we will be leaving in a week, I have been searching for info about the process. I went on the Vatican website and found out that the conclave of Cardinals takes place 12-15 days after the death of a Pope. 2/3 majority plus one needed for election. If after 12 days no new Pope has been elected, they then go to a simple majority. The funeral for a Pope takes place 4-6 days after death with a mourning period of 9 days. Hope this is helpful.

Dorgal,
I think your question is now answered... John Paul II died tonight... may he rest in peace... so the Vatican will be open to public by the time you visit Rome...

Uhm, I believe Dorgal went to Rome last September. His post was dated 2004.

I remember posting my original post in Sept. before my trip - in 2004 whne the Pope was sick. The reason I topped it yesterday was so that OTHER people who are traveling this week would maybe get information they were looking for about what to expect.

And Zippo.......What's so wrong about wondering how something will impact there vacation?!! Whether it be weather, a death of a famous person, a political situation...whatever. I thought this board was about sharing information - - that's all I was looking for - -information.

BTW - excellent choice of screen name for yourself!