Sistine Chapel Closes For Election of New Pope

The famous Sistine Chapel closed Tuesday for the papal conclave to elect a new pope, reported The Daily Telegraph.

After the elections the chapel will reopen, however, other parts of the Vatican like the Borgia apartment is still open for visitors.

The 115 cardinals of the conclave below the age of 80, who have been sworn to secrecy, are expected to elect the new pope next week. The Vatican said a new pope will be in place by Easter this year, which is set for Sunday, March 31.

The Apostolic Constitution says only cardinals meeting in a "general congregation" have the authority to order the chapel be closed for a conclave.

Currently, the Vatican is waiting for the arrival of five more cardinals in Rome before the date is announced, reported The Telegraph.

The Guardian reported there will be two stoves in the chapel that cardinals' ballots will be burned in while the other stove will create the white smoke signal that is used to notify the world that a new pope has been elected.

According to the Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi, as soon as the date for the conclave is announced the movement to set up the preparation will be "accelerated."

Among the many famous artwork of Michaelangelo's are the "Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement."  The Sistine Chapel also carries frescos from other major Italian Renaissance artists including Botticelli, Perugino and Pinturicchio.

An estimated 4 million people come to tour the chapel, reported the United Press International. The chapel was completed in 1541 and was restorated between 1984 and 1994.

Pope Benedict XVI's resignation on Feb. 28 made him the first pope in 500 years to abdicate as the head of the Catholic Church. The church is quickly preparing and stepping up to the challenge of electing his successor.