Vatican Installs Chimney Over Sistine Chapel Ahead of New Pope Election

Preparations for the next papal election are underway on Friday as Vatican workers installed a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. This traditional smoke signal system will alert the public when a new pope is elected to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Conclave to begin May 7

The conclave, a closed-door meeting of cardinals, will begin May 7. During the sessions, 133 eligible cardinals will vote in secret to choose the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, serving an estimated 1.4 billion followers worldwide.

Most of the cardinals expected to vote were appointed by Francis, whose papacy began in 2013 and marked a historic first as the pontiff hailed from the Americas.

Smoke signals will reveal progress

Smoke from the chimney indicates the progress of the voting. Black smoke means no decision has been reached. White smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.

The signal is expected to draw thousands of people to St. Peter’s Square, where crowds traditionally gather during papal transitions.

And up she goes! The famous chimney that will alert the world to a new Pope is being set up on top of the Sistine Chapel here at the Vatican. : @dibanezgut EWTN pic.twitter.com/PnHLL71vKH

— Colm Flynn (@colmflynnire) May 2, 2025

Sistine Chapel takes center stage

Workers secured a rust-colored metal pipe to the top of the Sistine Chapel, rising above its terracotta tiles. The chapel, built in the 15th century, is known worldwide for its Renaissance art, particularly the frescoes by Michelangelo.

The same building also serves as the voting chamber during the conclave, emphasizing its central role in the process.

Tight security and global attention

Security around the Vatican is expected to tighten as the date approaches, and logistical preparations are underway to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, tourists, and press. Large video screens may also be placed in the square to broadcast updates and footage from Vatican broadcasters.

Cardinals to vote in seclusion

The cardinals will be sequestered during the conclave and forbidden from communicating with the outside world. They will stay at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta guesthouse and walk to the Sistine Chapel for each voting session. They continue voting until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.

Tradition and expectations

The outcome of each vote is determined by burning chemicals to produce either black or white smoke. This method has been used for centuries to maintain secrecy while still informing the public. The last two papal conclaves—2005 and 2013—were concluded by the second voting day. Whether this conclave will follow a similar pace remains uncertain.

Now, the global Catholic community awaits the signal that a new spiritual leader has been chosen.