In a process shrouded in secrecy, the Sacred College of Cardinals is gearing up to elect Pope Francis' successor inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, renowned for its extensive Renaissance art ...

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with art historian Kim Butler about the artwork that adorns the walls of the Sistine Chapel and its significance ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope.

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out on March 13, 2013, signaling that Roman Catholic Cardinals had ended their conclave and elected a new leader ...

The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since ... Another witness to the historic election will be “The Last Judgment,” which will preside over the conclave from the altar wall.

The most important artworks in the chapel are the frescoes by Michelangelo, which appear on the ceiling and the west wall behind the altar.. Michelangelo painted the Last Judgment fresco on the ...