Italy Travel

rome vatican - Italy Travel

Fun Facts About The Papal Conclave in Vatican City
Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by All eyes are on Vatican City in Rome -- and specifically the chimney leading from the Sistine Chapel -- to see if a new Pope has been elected. 115 cardinals are locked away in the chapel, voting on the leader of over a billion Catholics. Here are some fun facts about the Conclave: In the 13th century, Pope Gregory put the rule into effect that cardinals must be s...
Swiss Guards Now “Off Duty” As The Pope Leaves Post
Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 by As of 8 p.m. local time, the Vatican's Swiss Guards are a protection force without a Pope to protect. Pope Benedict officially retired from the Papacy today as the Vatican is slated to announce Friday the date for the conclave to elect his successor.   According to  the Associated Press reporter who was at the Pope's summer/weekend residence, "As bells tolled, t...