Workers have completed the installation of the chimney on top of the Vatican building in Rome, Italy. The color of the chimney smoke will give hints to the public about how the papal selection process is going.
Vatican Media
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Vatican Media
Workers have successfully attached a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel in preparation for the upcoming papal election.
The chimney, a key component of the election process, will provide a visual signal to the public regarding the selection of the next Pope following the passing of Pope Francis.
As the conclave convenes on Wednesday, May 7, with 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 participating, the chimney’s smoke will serve as the sole means of communication with the outside world during the secretive proceedings.
During the voting process, black smoke will indicate disagreement among the cardinals, prompting further rounds of voting until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Once white smoke emerges from the chimney, it will signify the election of a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church.
The timeline of the conclave typically involves initial voting on the first evening, followed by multiple rounds of voting each day until a consensus is reached.
Historically, conclaves have lasted under four days, with Pope Francis being elected on the second day of the conclave in 2013.
