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The doors of the Vatican Sistine Chapel were closed on Wednesday, signaling the beginning of the secret conclave in which 133 cardinals around the world will elect a new Pope.
Latin corners and organ music accompanied the cardinals as they entered the chapel, world famous for Christ’s representation by Michelangelo’s final judgment 500 years ago.
The cardinals put their hands on the gospel and made a vow of secret not to disclose anything about the conclave.
The master of ceremonies then shouted the command “Extra Omnnes” (“all out” in Latin), ordering those who were not involved in the meeting to leave the room.
The heavy wooden doors of the chapel then closed hard for the outside world.
