Doors of Sistine Chapel close, conclave begins – Vatican

Faithful watch a giant screen displaying images of Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, closing the doors of the Sistine chapel as the conclave to elect a new Pope starts, at St Peter’s Square in The Vatican, on May 7, 2025. Agence France-Presse

VATICAN CITY — The doors of the Sistine Chapel closed on Wednesday, signaling the beginning of the conclave in which 133 cardinals will elect the successor to Pope Francis, according to a live video broadcast by the Vatican.

At approximately 17:45 (1545 GMT), the master of ceremonies, Diego Ravelli, shut the heavy doors from the inside of the famous chapel after calling out in a solemn voice the Latin phrase “Extra Omnes”, ordering all those not involved in the vote to leave. /dl

READ: Cardinals take oath of secrecy before conclave – Vatican