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Vatican workers have installed a stove in the Sistine Chapel to burn ballots during the conclave to elect a new pope, set to begin Wednesday (May 7). The installation is part of preparations for the conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. The conclave will take place in the frescoed Sistine Chapel, where a false floor has been added to make it even, and simple wooden tables have been arranged for the cardinals to cast their votes.
A chimney has been installed on the chapel roof to release smoke signals indicating whether a new pope has been elected. Black smoke will signal no decision, while white smoke will announce a successful election. The conclave will continue with two rounds of voting each morning and afternoon until a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, from the 133 participating cardinals.
The cardinals will be sequestered from the outside world during the conclave. Electronic sensors in the chapel have been deactivated to prevent any interference, and the windows of the Apostolic Palace facing the chapel will be darkened. The cardinals will stay at the Domus Santa Marta hotel or an adjacent residence, with access restricted to ensure privacy.
The cardinals are meeting privately to discuss the future needs of the Catholic Church and the qualities needed in a new pope. The conclave will begin with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the cardinals processing into the Sistine Chapel to begin their deliberations.