Saturday press briefing clarifies Sistine Chapel still open to public

The Vatican Press Office held a briefing Saturday afternoon, in which he head of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, announced that little new information was available, since the College of Cardinals will not have their first General Congregation until Monday, and several Cardinals are still on their way to Rome.

It was also confirmed the Sistine Chapel has not yet been closed to prepare for the conclave, since the order to begin preparations must be given in the General Congregation. It was also made known that a special prayer for the election of the new Pope is being said before each Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and a group of contemplative religious sisters from Mexico has arrived to pray for this intention in the Basilica.

Father Lombardi also recommended the reading of "Roman Triptych: Meditations," Pope John Paul II’s poem on Michelangelo’s Last Judgement which was published in 2003. The introduction to the book was written by Joseph Ratzinger.

The next press briefing will be Monday afternoon.

Listen to the English language portions of the briefing: