Ep. 18: The Passing of Pope Francis and the Upcoming Papal Conclave

Ep. 18: The Passing of Pope Francis and the Upcoming Papal Conclave

Author: Danielle Oteri April 23, 2025 Duration: 23:04

In this episode, I discuss the unexpected passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and its significant historical context given the ongoing Papal Jubilee. For insight into what to expect, especially for those wondering if their Vatican tours will be cancelled, I spoke with Margherita Capponi, our most trusted guide in Rome. She is an archaeologist and a seventh-generation Roman, who provides insights into the historical traditions and logistical arrangements for the forthcoming papal funeral and the election of a new pope. The episode covers the special ceremonial events in Rome, the role of pilgrims during the Jubilee year, and the impact on Vatican tours. We also discuss the conclave process, and Margherita answers my burning question about what the cardinals will eat while they’re in Rome!

If you’re coming to Rome, or want to know more about this piece of history about to be written, listen first to Margherita.

00:00 Breaking News: Pope Francis Passes Away

00:30 Interview with Margherita Capponi

02:48 Understanding the Papal Jubilee

05:41 Upcoming Events and Changes in Rome

09:12 The Conclave: Electing the New Pope

13:28 Touring Rome During the Jubilee Year

22:31 Final Thoughts and Travel Tips

If you'd like to explore Rome with Margherita, please get in touch! We work together to organize tours of all the major sites, but highly recommend getting off the beaten path with Margherita as well. Last June, Margherita took us on a tour of the Museum of the Walls, the Via Appia, the catacombs, and then finally to lunch in Testaccio for a classic Roman meal. Nothing was crowded, and we learned so much.

This podcast is free, but if you become a paid subscriber on Substack, you’ll gain access to our monthly Zoom calls, where you can ask all your trip planning questions.

If you'd like to delve deeper and have me strategize your entire trip, consider a Trip Consultation. In just one hour, I will save you months of research, eliminate confusion, and provide you with all the resources you need to book your ideal trip to Italy.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danielleoteri.com/subscribe

There’s a certain magic to traveling in Italy that goes beyond checking sights off a list-it’s in the texture of daily life, a shared meal, or a story passed down through generations. Tante Belle Cose captures that feeling. Hosted by Danielle Oteri, founder of Feast Travel, this podcast feels like a series of deep, rewarding conversations with a friend who truly knows the place. You’ll hear immersive narratives that transport you to a sun-drenched piazza or a quiet vineyard, alongside genuinely practical advice for navigating the nuances of Italian culture, food, and history. The episodes are thoughtfully crafted; some serve as a guide to planning your journey, while others simply pull you into the rich tapestry of Italian life, planting seeds for future adventures. Danielle’s expertise as a guide and storyteller makes each listen both an escape and a toolkit. Tuning into this podcast is more than just research-it’s an invitation to appreciate the many beautiful details, the *tante belle cose*, that make Italy so captivating. For those who dive deeper, there’s also access to a dedicated travel community moderated by Danielle, offering continued connection and insight beyond the audio.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Danielle Oteri's Italy
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