Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on May 7, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 24, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe Sistine Chapel closes for a secret conclave where 133 cardinals will elect a new pope, marked by vows of secrecy and traditional ceremonies.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The doors of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican were closed on Wednesday, signalling the start of a secret conclave where 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope.
Latin chants and organ music had accompanied the cardinals as they processed into the frescoed chapel, with Michelangelo's depiction of Christ delivering the Last Judgment dominating the 500-year-old room.
Laying their own hands on the Gospels, they took a vow of secrecy not to divulge anything about the conclave.
The master of ceremonies then shouted out the command "Extra Omnes" (Latin for "Everyone Out") telling those not involved in the gathering to leave the room, with the chapel's heavy wooden doors slamming shut on the outside world.
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
The main topic is the secret conclave in the Sistine Chapel where cardinals gather to elect a new pope.
Cardinals take a vow of secrecy and participate in a traditional ceremony to elect a new pope.
The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican City.
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