Contact: Gail J. Coniglio, Teresa Tomeo Communications, LLC, 954-554-3967, gailjean@bellsouth.net 

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 5, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Sistine Chapel closed their doors to visitors today, as preparations are now officially underway to prepare for the Papal Conclave where the world's 115 eligible cardinals will elect a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Teresa Tomeo, award-winning Catholic reporter, syndicated Ave Maria Radio/EWTN talk show host, and featured correspondent for Blessed John Paul the Second's beatification, understands the enormous task at hand. Tomeo has reported from the Vatican museums, and has visited the Sistine Chapel and the "Room of Tears" in the Chapel many times, most recently in January. This room is the last stop before the Pope greets the world from the Loggia.

"Getting the Sistine Chapel prepared for this most important gathering of Church leaders is no small task," she said. "It will take several days if not a full week before the chapel is ready for the Cardinals."

Tomeo has attended numerous audiences with Pope Benedict XVI and was chosen as one of 250 delegates from around the world to attend the Vatican Women's Congress held in 2008 in Rome marking the 20th Anniversary of Blessed John Paul the Second's Letter "On the Dignity and Vocation of Women." She brings over 30 years experience in TV, radio and newspaper, to her Catholic reporting.

Tomeo is available to comment on topics relating to the Papal Conclave including:

• An Inside look at the Sistine Chapel including set up and preparation for the Conclave.
   
• What happens between now and the start of the historic Conclave.
   
• The final step before the new Papacy begins: The Room of Tears.
   
• Important issues being discussed by Cardinals prior to the Conclave.

As an expert on faith and culture, media influence, and media activism, Tomeo has been featured on a number of networks and national programs, is a best-selling author, popular speaker, featured columnist, as well as special correspondent for the national Catholic newspaper, "Our Sunday Visitor." Her weekday morning radio program, the Catholic Connection is on Ave Maria Radio and syndicated nationally on over 200 stations for EWTN Radio. She is also the host of EWTN Global Catholic Television Network popular new television series, "The Catholic View for Women" and owner of Teresa Tomeo Communications, LLC, a professional media consulting company.

To schedule Tomeo for an interview, contact Gail Coniglio at (954) 554-3967 or E-mail gailjean@bellsouth.net.