Dome, gardens off-limits to tourists during conclave

Vatican City, Apr 15, 2005 / 22:00 pm

With the conclave opening tomorrow, the Holy See is restricting movement in and around the Vatican to ensure cardinals the privacy and discretion that the conclave requires.

While it will still be possible for pilgrims to visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II, tourists will not have access to the dome of St. Peter’s or to the Vatican Gardens, Vatican Press Office director Joaquin Navarro-Valls announced yesterday.

The route, along the street behind the Vatican Basilica, which the cardinals will use to travel between their quarters and the Sistine Chapel, will be closed off, along with the San Damaso courtyard.