Sistine Chapel closes as cardinals prepare to choose next pope
March 05, 2013  22:13
The Sistine Chapel has closed to visitors as all but five cardinal-electors of the Roman Catholic church pursue the "deep and unhurried process" of preparing for papal conclave, the Vatican says.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said that of the 115 cardinals aged under 80 who will take part in the election of a new pope 110 had now arrived in Rome. A date for the conclave had still not been set, he added.

However, logistical preparations are under way, with more than 5,000 journalists now accredited to cover the conclave and construction work at the Sistine Chapel beginning. Before the chapel plays host to the cardinal-electors, it needs a false floor, to level out the surface and hide anti-bugging devices.
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