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.

The status of an Italian cardinal is being debated as preparations get under way for the May 7 conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis

The Vatican has announced the start time for the conclave. The event will begin on May 7 with a prayer in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace at 4:30 PM local time, followed by a procession to the Sistine Chapel.

About 130 cardinals will be able to vote on a successor for Francis, and a two-thirds majority is needed to elect the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. Many world leaders are expected to attend his funeral in Vatican City, including President Donald Trump, Prince William, and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 will be honoured during the final stage of the 2025 Giro d'Italia.On June 1, 2025, before the final stage of the race officially begins, riders will pass through Vatican City in

The final stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia will be dedicated to the late Pope Francis with organisers planning a special start in the Vatican City. The Giro has only twice previously passed through the papal enclave despite regular visits to Rome which is in line to host the finish of the three-week race for a third consecutive year.