Skip to content

PHOTOS: The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors to choose the next pope

The Vatican on Tuesday released photos of the Sistine Chapel prepared for the arrival of the cardinal electors who will select the next pope in the conclave set to begin on Wednesday.

The Vatican on Tuesday released photos of the Sistine Chapel prepared for the arrival of the cardinal electors who will select the next pope in the conclave set to begin on Wednesday.

Live Updates for the Conclave

The proceedings will take place in absolute secrecy, with the prelates largely sequestered from the outside world for as long as the conclave lasts until a new supreme pontiff is chosen.

The Book of the Gospels sits in the Sistine Chapel ahead of the arrival of cardinal electors for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Book of the Gospels sits in the Sistine Chapel ahead of the arrival of cardinal electors for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Wooden spheres are inscribed with numbers corresponding to cardinal electors, a means of drawing lots to select scrutineers, revisers, and infirmarii prior to the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Wooden spheres are inscribed with numbers corresponding to cardinal electors, a means of drawing lots to select scrutineers, revisers, and infirmarii prior to the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Book of the Gospels is displayed at the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Book of the Gospels is displayed at the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Tables and chairs sit in the Sistine Chapel waiting for the arrival of cardinals for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Tables and chairs sit in the Sistine Chapel waiting for the arrival of cardinals for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Vatican’s Hall of Blessings awaits for the arrival of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
The Vatican’s Hall of Blessings awaits for the arrival of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency.

Live Updates for the Conclave

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

EWTN

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea on April 23, 2026. | Credit: Patrick Leonard/EWTN News.

Pope to Equatorial Guinea: ‘Carry on the mission of Jesus’ first disciples with joy’

At his final Mass in Africa, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to proclaim the Gospel with passion and

Love and Light: Pope Francis Reflects on Christ’s Presentation

n Sunday’s Angelus prayer, Pope Francis emphasized how Jesus Christ reveals the ultimate criterion by which all history is judged: love.

Opus Dei presents proposal for new statutes to the Holy See

Opus Dei presented its proposed statutes to the Holy See on June 11 following the guidelines from the Vatican in the 2022 motu proprio Ad Charisma Tuendum as announced by the apostolate’s prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz.

Top ecumenical initiatives of Pope Francis: a retrospective

Like his post-Vatican II predecessors, Pope Francis prioritized outreach to non-Catholics, fostering dialogue and Christian unity throughout his 12-year pontificate, marked by several historic ecumenical moments.

Vatican News: Pope Francis Receives Prayers from Inmates after Hospitalization

Pope Francis received prayers from Milan inmates after his hospitalization. Cardinal Bo mourns a slain Myanmar priest. Parolin is hopeful for Gaza peace. African bishops call for fasting for DRC. Rome hosts the Jubilee of Deacons.

Custodian of Culture: Interview with Dr. Barbara Jatta, the First Woman Leading the Vatican Museums

In an interview with Colm Flynn, EWTN News Rome Correspondent, Dr. Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com