Vatican Prepares for New Pope Election

The Vatican's Sistine Chapel has been closed to visitors in preparation for the conclave, during which senior clergy will elect a new Pope, as reported by the Associated Press.

The conclave, traditionally held in the Sistine Chapel, is expected to commence between May 5 and 10. Prior to this, it is necessary to prepare the chapel for the cardinals who will select the new pontiff.

Specifically, a chimney needs to be installed, from which smoke will billow to indicate the voting outcome; black smoke will signify that a Pope has not yet been chosen, while white smoke will announce the election of a new Pope.

It remains uncertain when the Sistine Chapel will reopen to tourists, as the conclave will last as long as necessary to elect the pontiff.

It is worth noting that Pope Francis passed away on the morning of April 21 at the age of 88. His funeral took place on Saturday, with nearly 400,000 people coming to pay their respects.