The Vatican is closing the Sistine Chapel to the public as part of preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Francis.

Exit tourists. Enter cardinals. The Vatican has closed the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. Francis was buried Saturday after a funeral in St.

Following the death of Pope Francis, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will gather at some point next month to elect a new pope in one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Sistine Chapel.