The Vatican has closed the Sistine Chapel as preparations begin for the conclave that will elect the next pope following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April aged 88.

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

Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signifying that the next pope has not yet been elected. A crowd of more than 30,000 cheered as the first round of smoke from the conclave appeared.

As the papal conclave is set to begin to elect a new pope, the eyes of the world are on the Sistine Chapel, which will hold the Catholic cardinals as they cast their votes for the next leader of ...

As the papal conclave is set to begin to elect a new pope, the eyes of the world are on the Sistine Chapel, which will hold the Catholic cardinals as they cast their votes for the next leader of ...

Times have changed since then. The Sistine Chapel serves as the seat of the papal conclave since 1878 and has become a popular site for tourists, welcoming millions of visitors every year.

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