A busy week begins in Rome.

Workers are putting the final touches on the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, preparing it for the 115 Cardinal electors who will begin to choose a new Pope tomorrow.

Toronto’s Thomas Cardinal Collins says the cardinals have spent the past week discussing the problems of the church, and assessing who among them might be best suited to solving them. He says the conclave will become something of a spiritual retreat.

Cardinal Collins made his comments after leading mass yesterday at the Church of San Patricio near Rome’s Spanish Steps. He was one of several cardinals who conducted services at churches throughout Rome.

The new Pope will likely be elected in a matter of days. No conclave has lasted more than five days in the past century. Pope Benedict was elected within 24 hours in 2005.