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

The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will gather on May 7 to elect a new pope in one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Sistine Chapel. Below are some facts about the chapel: * Named after Pope Sixtus IV and built from 1473-81,

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

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.

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 on Monday set the date for the Papal conclave amid some drama over whether a convicted cardinal will be able to attend.

Cardinals arriving for the first day of meetings after Pope Francis’ funeral were swarmed at the city-state’s gates by journalists eager for hints of whether any consensus is building around the elect