Chimney installed on Sistine Chapel’s roof ahead of Vatican conclave

The chimney that will let the world know when cardinals have chosen a successor to Pope Francis was installed Friday on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Firefighters were seen putting up the fixture ahead of the conclave set to begin next Wednesday.

During a conclave, cardinals vote through a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required for the election. After each round of submissions, ballots are read aloud and then burned. The ashes are used to notify audiences around the world and onlookers in St. Peter’s Square of the election’s status.

Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican indicates a new round of voting is set to happen. White smoke signals a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church is selected.

The Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public for more than a week now as the Vatican is preparing for the conclave.

Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced that morning.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

The conclave will begin inside the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, May 7. Visitors admire the Sistine Chapel in May 2021.

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Fox News’ Gabriele Regalbuto and Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.