Cardinals from around the world assembled at the Vatican on Tuesday to begin preparations for the conclave that will elect a new pope following the resignation of Pope Francis.
The Sistine Chapel has been arranged for the election process, with desks and chairs set up beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Each seat is marked with the surname of a cardinal elector.
Senior clergy were seen arriving at the Santa Marta guesthouse, where they will stay throughout the conclave. Among them was Britain’s Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who greeted onlookers before entering the residence.
Voting to select the next leader of the Catholic Church is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The cardinals will enter a period of closed-door deliberations and voting until a new pope is chosen.