From the majestic art to the white smoke, here's what to know about the Sistine Chapel, the sacred site of the conclave.

The Vatican is closing the Sistine Chapel to the public as part of its preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope ...

It is one of the wonders of the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. But those now in Rome hoping to admire the ...

The Sistine Chapel has closed to the public so it can be prepared for the conclave, a gathering of cardinals who will elect ...

Enter cardinals. The Vatican has closed the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather next week for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88.

Besides being the pope's main chapel, the Sistine Chapel has been the site of the conclave, the election that selects a new pope when there is a vacancy. About 135 cardinals will gather in the ...

The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin in the Sistine Chapel on May 7.

"Notice is hereby given that the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public from Monday 28 April 2025 for the requirements of the Conclave," reads a statement on the Vatican Museums' website.