The conclave to elect a new pope is held in the Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. This has been the permanent location for every conclave since 1878, although the first conclave held there was in 1492

. During the conclave, the cardinals gather inside the Sistine Chapel, which is sealed off from the outside world until a new pope is elected. The chapel is famous for its Michelangelo frescoes on the ceiling. The voting cardinals take an oath of secrecy and remain secluded there until the election concludes

. Outside, crowds wait in St. Peter's Square to see the smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney: black smoke means no pope has been elected yet, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen

. In summary, the conclave is held exclusively in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.