Vatican workers have begun preparations in the Sistine Chapel for the upcoming conclave, the secretive process where cardinals elect a new pope.
Key installations include the traditional stove and chimney, which will signal the election's progress to the world through colored smoke. The conclave is set to begin on May 7, with only cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote. Special machines will ensure the smoke is clearly visible, with black indicating no decision and white announcing a new pope.
These preparations mark the final steps before one of the Catholic Church's most significant events.
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Creation, Last Judgment, stoves: Workers ready Sistine Chapel for conclave
The stove that will be used to burn ballots during the conclave to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel and the machine that adds chemicals to create dark black or bright white smoke are seen at the Vatican May 2, 2025. Cardinals under the age of 80 will enter the conclave May 7. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
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