Preparations for the highly anticipated papal conclave reached a symbolic milestone on Friday as Vatican technicians installed the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—an unmistakable sign that the process of selecting a new pope is entering its final stages. The conclave, which officially begins on May 7, will bring together eligible cardinals from around the world to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who recently announced his resignation due to health concerns.
The installation of the chimney—a centuries-old tradition—will once again serve as the Vatican’s visual communication tool during the voting process. Black or white smoke emitted from the chimney will indicate whether or not a new pope has been chosen.
Symbolic Smoke: A Time-Honored Signal
Vatican firefighters were seen atop the Sistine Chapel meticulously setting up the iconic smokestack. This installation is a critical part of the conclave preparations, as the chimney allows for the release of the colored smoke that communicates the outcome of each ballot cast by the cardinal-electors within the chapel.
According to Vatican protocol, the ballots are burned after every two rounds of voting per day. If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with a mixture of chemicals—potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur—producing thick black smoke that billows from the chimney, signifying no decision has been reached.
However, when a new pope is successfully elected, the ballots are burned with a different combination of substances—potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin—to produce white smoke, the traditional sign that “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope).
Cardinals Begin Final Discussions
As the chimney went up, so did the momentum inside the Vatican. Cardinals from across the globe gathered for another day of pre-conclave discussions, also known as general congregations, where they are engaging in candid dialogue about the future of the Catholic Church and the qualities needed in the next pope.
These sessions, held behind closed doors, are attended by all cardinals—even those over the age of 80 who are ineligible to vote in the conclave itself. Their voices, however, remain influential as they help shape the tone and expectations heading into the election.
Discussions have reportedly centered around key challenges facing the church, including ongoing financial troubles, declining church attendance, abuse scandals, and the need for institutional reform.
“We must be honest in these days of reflection,” said one senior cardinal speaking anonymously to Vatican reporters. “The Church must be transparent, resilient, and grounded in truth to meet the challenges of the modern world.”
Evaluating Pope Francis’ Legacy
As cardinals weigh the path forward, many have been openly evaluating the legacy of Pope Francis, who became the first pope in over 600 years to step down from the papacy while still alive. Elected on March 13, 2013, after white smoke emerged from the chimney on the fifth ballot, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina took the name Francis and launched a pontificate defined by humility, social justice, and efforts to decentralize church governance.
However, not all aspects of his leadership were without controversy. Critics within the Church have pointed to a perceived lack of progress in dealing with internal scandals, especially surrounding financial accountability and clerical abuse.
“Pope Francis led with compassion and a global perspective,” said Vatican analyst Marco Tagliabue. “But the next pope will need to combine those virtues with bold administrative reform and stronger communication to restore public trust.”
Conclave Process and Global Attention
The conclave, which takes place in the Michelangelo-adorned Sistine Chapel, is shrouded in ritual and secrecy. Beginning on May 7, the 120 cardinal-electors will be locked inside the chapel, forbidden from any outside contact, until a new pope is chosen. The process, steeped in over 700 years of tradition, is designed to encourage deep prayer, reflection, and consensus-building.
Each day, the cardinals can hold up to four votes—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Voting continues until one candidate receives at least two-thirds of the votes, after which the white smoke will rise from the chimney, and bells will ring throughout St. Peter’s Square.
Shortly afterward, the new pontiff will appear from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the world will hear his name and see his face for the first time.
Anticipation Builds
Pilgrims and tourists have already begun to flock to Rome, filling the cobbled streets near the Vatican and gathering in St. Peter’s Square, where massive screens and scaffolding are being prepared in anticipation of the momentous announcement.
“We came from Brazil just to be here for this historic occasion,” said Luiz Carvalho, a 35-year-old Catholic visiting Rome with his family. “It’s something you experience once in a lifetime. Watching the white smoke rise—it’s unforgettable.”
Inside the Vatican, the mood is one of anticipation mixed with solemn responsibility. As the cardinals prepare to enter the conclave, Catholics around the world wait with hope for a new leader who can guide the Church through an era of transformation.
The Future of the Papacy
While speculation is high about potential frontrunners—ranging from African and Asian cardinals to reform-minded Europeans—the conclave has a long history of surprises. No official campaigning is allowed, and cardinals are urged to vote according to conscience rather than influence.
“Choosing a pope is a spiritual decision, not a political one,” said Cardinal Angelo Bianchi of Italy. “We must listen to the Holy Spirit and act for the good of the universal Church.”
As the world watches the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, every puff of smoke will carry centuries of tradition—and the hopes of 1.3 billion Catholics awaiting their next spiritual shepherd.
