Preparations for the upcoming papal conclave are underway as the Vatican fire brigade has installed the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel – the traditional signal to the world of a new pope’s election.
On 7th May, the cardinal-electors will begin the secret voting process to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. From that day onward, smoke will rise from the chimney twice daily: once in the morning (starting 8th May) and once in the evening.
Black smoke will indicate that no pope has been elected, while white smoke signals that at least 89 of the eligible cardinals – a two-thirds majority – have reached a consensus.
The installation marks a key moment in the lead-up to one of the Church’s most closely watched events.
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