Sistine Chapel Closes Indefinitely for Papal Conclave

The Vatican has closed the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums to the public as preparations begin for the conclave to elect a new pope following the death and burial of Pope Francis. The conclave, set to begin between May 5 and May 10 after a nine-day mourning period, will see 138 cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the chapel, reciting prayers, swearing oaths of secrecy, and sealing the doors before voting. The process is steeped in tradition, with ballots burned in a chimney to signal the outcome—a ritual that has attracted global attention and temporarily disappointed tourists eager to view the renowned Michelangelo frescoes. The election comes at a pivotal moment, as cardinals weigh whether to continue Francis' reforms, which emphasized inclusivity and diversity within the Church, or shift toward more conservative leadership. The closure has drawn mixed reactions from visitors, who express both disappointment at missing the iconic art and understanding of the extraordinary circumstances. The Vatican has not announced when the museums and chapel will reopen, as the duration of the conclave remains uncertain.