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As conclave begins, it’s business as usual at the Vatican … sort of

Michie

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In Rome, the conclave is the talk of the town: from speculation over a morning espresso about who will be the next pope to taxi drivers complaining about how roadblocks have made their work even more difficult.

However, along the immense walls surrounding the Vatican, it was business as usual May 7 as hundreds of tourists joined the long line, which stretched around the corner of the wall, waiting to enter the Vatican Museums.

According to its website, the Vatican Museums continued its normal schedule. However, tourists have limited access to the museums’ treasures.

“Notice is hereby given that the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public from Monday, April 28, 2025, for the requirements of the Conclave,” a pop-up on the museum homepage read. “All tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are also suspended.”

Vatican employees also needed to adapt their schedules and plan ahead to reach their offices, visit the duty-free shop or fill their fuel tanks from the Vatican’s tax-free gas pump.

The Eternal City waits​


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