Conclave nears, Sistine Chapel closed to visitors - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Conclave nears, Sistine Chapel closed to visitors

Posted: Updated:
The Sistine Chapel interior. Image courtesy AP. The Sistine Chapel interior. Image courtesy AP.
VATICAN CITY -

The clearest sign yet that a papal election is nearing has arrived, with the Sistine Chapel announcing it is closing to visitors.

As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, Michelangelo's frescoed masterpiece will be sealed to tourists as Vatican workers put it into shape for the conclave: In 2005, the last time the College of Cardinals elected a pope, those preparations included installing a false floor to hide anti-bugging devices and attaching the stove, where the ballots are burned, to the Sistine Chapel's chimney.

Tuesday also brought a second day of pre-conclave meetings with cardinals to organize the election process and get to know one another. With a handful of cardinals still traveling to Rome, no date has yet been set for the start of the conclave.

  • 8 On Your Side

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:04:59 GMT
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
    The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Powered by WorldNow

200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: news@wfla.com

Can’t find something?
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General Company.