The Vatican has officially closed the Sistine Chapel to the public as preparations begin for the conclave that will elect the new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. The late pontiff was buried on Saturday after a solemn funeral in St. Peter’s Square attended by world leaders and throngs of mourners. According to Catholic tradition, a nine-day period of mourning must pass before the conclave can commence.
The Sistine Chapel, one of Rome’s most iconic attractions and a masterpiece of Renaissance art, is now being readied for its vital role in this historic process. The preparations include the installation of the chimney used to signal the results of each round of voting—black smoke indicates no consensus has been reached, while white smoke and ringing bells announce the election of a new pope. This ancient and secretive ceremony was recently dramatized in the 2024 film Conclave, bringing renewed public interest to the ritual.
Tourists who visited on the final day before the closure expressed a sense of fortune. “We felt very lucky to be the last group of visitors to come in today,” said Sumon Khan, a tourist from the United States. “Our trip wouldn't have been complete without seeing this beautiful place.” How long the chapel will remain off-limits depends on the length of the conclave, which is difficult to predict.
The conclave is expected to begin between May 5 and May 10. During this time, red-robed cardinals from around the world will enter the chapel to begin their deliberations. Guided by centuries-old tradition and, according to belief, the Holy Spirit, they will choose a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The identity and vision of the new pope remain open questions. Some anticipate a continuation of Francis’s legacy, emphasizing care for the poor, the environment, and church reform. Others expect a return to the more doctrinal and traditional approaches favored by previous popes like Benedict XVI.
As the world watches and waits, all eyes will be on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. When white smoke appears, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church .
The Sistine Chapel, one of Rome’s most iconic attractions and a masterpiece of Renaissance art, is now being readied for its vital role in this historic process. The preparations include the installation of the chimney used to signal the results of each round of voting—black smoke indicates no consensus has been reached, while white smoke and ringing bells announce the election of a new pope. This ancient and secretive ceremony was recently dramatized in the 2024 film Conclave, bringing renewed public interest to the ritual.
Tourists who visited on the final day before the closure expressed a sense of fortune. “We felt very lucky to be the last group of visitors to come in today,” said Sumon Khan, a tourist from the United States. “Our trip wouldn't have been complete without seeing this beautiful place.” How long the chapel will remain off-limits depends on the length of the conclave, which is difficult to predict.
The conclave is expected to begin between May 5 and May 10. During this time, red-robed cardinals from around the world will enter the chapel to begin their deliberations. Guided by centuries-old tradition and, according to belief, the Holy Spirit, they will choose a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The identity and vision of the new pope remain open questions. Some anticipate a continuation of Francis’s legacy, emphasizing care for the poor, the environment, and church reform. Others expect a return to the more doctrinal and traditional approaches favored by previous popes like Benedict XVI.
As the world watches and waits, all eyes will be on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. When white smoke appears, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church .
You may also like
7 dead in rain-related incidents across north India; roads flooded, trees uprooted in Delhi-NCR
UK wins EU court clash over fishing ban reversal in post-Brexit victory for Britain
India's total exports rise 6 per cent to all-time high of $824.9 billion: RBI
Arne Slot says Liverpool title celebrations will help in summer transfer talks
Usain Bolt leaves interviewer speechless with surprise revelation days after losing record
