Sistine Chapel still open to public: Holy See Press Office

March 2, 2013: Updating the preparation for the forthcoming conclave in the Vatican, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, head of the Holy See Press Office, announced on Saturday afternoon, during a press briefing that the Sistine Chapel is still open to public, and it has not yet been closed to prepare for the conclave, since the order to begin preparations must be given in the General Congregation.

He also made known that the seals of Pope Benedict XVI will not be destroyed, but rendered inoperable, just like the seals of Pope John Paul II, which are now preserved in a showcase.
Fr Lombardi confirmed 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.

He said that several Cardinals are still on their way to Rome, and that the next press briefing will be on Monday afternoon.