The death of Pope Francis on April 21, at the age of 88 has brought significant changes to the Vatican, none more immediate than the closure of the Sistine Chapel to the public.
While thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the late pontiff’s funeral, and a nine-day mourning period continues, Vatican officials are already preparing for the next pivotal step: the conclave to elect the new pope.
At the centre of this ancient and sacred process is the Sistine Chapel, in Rome, a place that holds not only deep religious importance but also enormous cultural and artistic significance.
For now, tourists are being turned away from one of Rome’s most iconic sites, as the Vatican transforms the chapel from a world-renowned attraction into a solemn space for the College of Cardinals.
The Sistine Chapel is where red-robed cardinals from around the globe will soon gather in secrecy to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Part of the preparation includes installing the small chimney through which the smoke signals will be sent – black for an inconclusive vote and white to announce a new pope.
This centuries-old ritual, fictionalised in the 2024 film “Conclave”, remains one of the most watched and mysterious events in the religious calendar.
While it serves as the stage for papal succession, the Sistine Chapel is more than a religious venue. It is considered one of the greatest artistic treasures of Western civilisation.
Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century, it is famed for its Renaissance frescoes, particularly the breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, which includes the iconic Creation of Adam.
He later returned to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall, an extraordinary depiction of divine justice and redemption.
The chapel is also home to early Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio, giving visitors a rare and powerful encounter with art, history, and faith all in one space.
Architecturally, it was designed to reflect Solomon’s Temple from the Old Testament and is noted for its perfect proportions and symbolic design.
For millions of tourists each year, visiting the Sistine Chapel is both a bucket-list experience and a moment of awe a chance to witness the height of human creativity dedicated to spiritual devotion. But during a papal transition, its function changes completely.
It becomes a private and highly controlled space, steeped in ritual, where the future of the Catholic Church is quietly decided.
