Since 1870, it has been the venue for the conclave, the meeting in which the cardinal electors of the College of Cardinals elect a new pope. Once the pope has been elected, he is taken to a small room in the Sistine Chapel known as the "Room of Tears." This room is located to the left of the altar under the Last Judgment, and has this name because new Popes often break into tears due to their intense emotions upon being elected.
+ © GIAMPIERO SPOSITO / AFP