Sistine Chapel Preparations for Papal Conclave: How a New Pope is Elected

Sistine Chapel Preparations

• 🛠️ Vatican workers have installed a simple stove in the Sistine Chapel where ballots will be burned during the upcoming papal conclave.
• 🪵 Simple wooden tables have been set up for the cardinals to sit and cast their votes.
• 💨 Fire crews were seen on the roof attaching a chimney for the symbolic smoke signals.

The Papal Conclave Process

• 🗓️ The conclave is set to begin Wednesday morning with a mass, followed by cardinals being sequestered from the world.
• 🎤 Cardinal electors will process into the Sistine Chapel, hear a meditation, and take their oaths before casting their first ballots.
• 🗳️ A two-thirds majority is required for any candidate to be elected pope.

Smoke Signals Explained

• ⚫ Black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached after a round of voting, with ballots mixed with chemicals to produce the color.
• ⚪ White smoke signifies that a new pope has been elected, with a different chemical mixture producing this signal.

Cardinal Deliberations

• 🤫 Cardinals continue to meet behind closed doors to discuss potential candidates and the qualities the next pontiff should possess.