Sistine Chapel Closes Ahead of Conclave, 'No Desire to Hasten The Process'

The Sistine Chapel is closed to all visitors as Vatican sends out a clear sign that a papal election is near.

Michelangelo's frescoed masterpiece is sealed to tourists as of Tuesday afternoon as Vatican begins preparation for the eventual conclave in electing a new pope.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said during a press briefing that the 115 cardinals aged under 80 who will take part in the election of a new pope 110 had now arrived in Rome. There has been no date set for the conclave.

The Sistine Chapel began their logistical preparations as more than 5,000 journalists are to cover the conclave. Ahead of the chapel to host the cardinal-electors it needs a false floor, to level out the surface and hide anti-bugging devices. It will attach a stove, which will be used to burn the cardinals' ballots.

Lombardi said it's unclear how long the work would take however undoubtedly be "accelerated" once a conclave date is announced.

The second round of pre-conclave meetings, known as General Congregations, was organized Tuesday with cardinals to discuss the election process and get to know one another.

Lombardi said, as the cardinals gathered it seemed there was "no desire to hasten the process." Through an interpreter he said, after Pope Benedict's resignations, the circumstances of the discussions required "discernment and reflection."