The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, a popular tourist spot that will remain closed to visitors during those days. Pope Francis, who presided over the church's estimated 1.

Catholic cardinals will assemble for the election of the next leader of the church on May 7, after the funeral of Pope Francis last Saturday.

The papal conclave to replace Pope Francis will begin Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican said on Monday. Cardinals will convene at the Vatican to begin a process of choosing a new pope, who will become the Catholic Church's 267th leader.