Conclave to Begin on the 7th
The chimney that signals the election of a new pope through smoke was installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel on the 1st (local time).
The chimney announcing the conclave results installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the Associated Press, Vatican firefighters were seen installing the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel on this day. Reuters also reported that the reddish-brown chimney placed on the Sistine Chapel roof by Vatican workers was clearly visible from St. Peter's Square.
When the conclave (the secret meeting of cardinals to elect the pope) begins on the 7th, the attention of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide will be focused on this chimney.
The new pope will be elected by secret ballot of 133 cardinals. The sequestered cardinals must vote every day until a candidate receives the support of two-thirds of the members. Black smoke rising from the chimney means that a pope has not been elected, while white smoke indicates that a new pope has been chosen.
It is known that the color of the smoke is produced by mixing the ballots with chemicals in a special stove.
The Vatican began preparations to elect the 267th pope after Pope Francis passed away on the 21st of last month. In both the 2005 and 2013 conclaves, the results were announced on the second day of voting.
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