Vatican prepares for papal election with iconic chimney installation

Preparations for the upcoming papal conclave are underway in the Vatican, as workers have installed the iconic chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—the most recognized symbol of the election process for a new pope on May 2.

The chimney, from which black or white smoke will signal the progress of the conclave, was fixed into place in anticipation of the proceedings set to begin on May 7.

Crowds in St. Peter’s Square, along with viewers around the world, will soon be watching this small structure for the historic sign of a new papacy.

Though first used for a conclave in 1492, the Sistine Chapel has served as the permanent setting for papal elections since 1878.

Renowned for its frescoes by Michelangelo and other Italian masters, the chapel is now being transformed once again into a space of sacred deliberation.

With the Sistine Chapel now closed to the public, Vatican staff are preparing the interior—installing flooring, audio equipment, and essential furnishings for the secretive voting process.

Unlike the General Congregations, no simultaneous translation will be available inside the conclave, maintaining its strictly confidential nature.

Before entering the chapel on the first day of the conclave, the Cardinals will attend a prayer service in Latin, after which they will solemnly process into the Sistine Chapel.

There, they will take an oath of secrecy, hear a meditation by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, and begin the first round of voting.

As the Church prepares to elect the 267th Successor of St. Peter, millions around the world will look to that small chimney once again—waiting for the moment when white smoke signals the beginning of a new papal chapter.