Exit tourists, enter cardinals. The Sistine Chapel has shut its doors as cardinals convene to elect the next pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, aged 88.
A funeral for Francis took place in St. Peter’s Square, attended by countless world leaders and others, commencing a nine-day mourning period before the conclave.
The cardinals have set May 7 as the date for the conclave after their initial informal meetings commenced on Monday post-funeral.
The cardinals will find inspiration in Michelangelo’s masterpieces as they participate in the secretive election process believed to be influenced by the holy spirit.
White smoke will signal the congregation’s decision to the world, marking the end of the conclave and the return of tourists to the Vatican.
