In Vatican City, preparations are in full swing for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. As this significant event draws near, the Vatican workers have installed a simple stove in the Sistine Chapel where ballots will be burned. Furthermore, steps are being taken to ensure electronic security, preventing any interference during the cardinals’ deliberations. Outside the conclave, discussions are ongoing about which cardinals might be the front runners in the race.
A video was released by the Holy See, capturing scenes of the preparations for the meeting set to start on May 7. The footage depicts the installation of the stove and a false floor in the historic Sistine Chapel, which aids in leveling the seating area. In addition, simple wooden tables are lined up for the cardinals to sit and cast their votes starting Wednesday. For cardinals using wheelchairs, a special ramp has been constructed to facilitate access to the main seating area.
Engaged in these preparations is engineer Silvio Screpanti, who has detailed the processes in place to deactivate the electronic sensors in the Sistine Chapel. These sensors, initially set to protect the chapel’s frescoes, are turned off to ensure a technological blackout that prevents bugging and maintains the confidentiality of the cardinals’ discussions. Over the coming days, all windows of the Apostolic Palace facing the chapel will be darkened, and a series of substantial seals will be installed around the conclave site to deter any external access.
As the final preparations unfold, fire crews were also spotted setting up the chapel’s chimney, which will emit smoke signals to indicate whether a new pope has been chosen. These meticulous preparations mark the lead-up to the anticipated pageantry that will define the start of electing a successor to Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
Responding to circulating health rumors concerning Cardinal Pietro Parolin, considered a notable papal candidate, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni officially denied reports suggesting he had encountered health issues. Reports of this nature are fueled by various factions seeking to influence the vote by speculating on candidates’ health, a common tactic in conclave politics. One memorable incident involved now Pope Emeritus Francis, who faced speculation about his lung health amid the 2013 election deliberations before succeeding to the papacy.
Bruni also confirmed the absence of two cardinal electors due to health concerns, bringing the number of participating cardinals down to 133. As of now, two additional cardinals are yet to arrive in Rome.
Regarding the conclave’s procedural details, the Vatican outlined that all cardinals are expected to report to the main Vatican residence, Domus Santa Marta, or an adjacent location between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. By Wednesday morning, they must be ready ahead of the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Once the cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon, they will hear a meditation, take their oaths, and proceed to cast their first votes. A two-thirds majority—or 89 votes—is necessary to elect a new pope. Should the initial vote fail to produce a winner, the ballots are burned, and black smoke will signal the absence of a decision to the outside world. Voting will continue with two rounds in the morning and two in the afternoon each day until a new pope is elected.
These preparations occur as cardinals engage in informal discussions about the future direction of the Catholic Church and the qualities needed in a new pope. Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, expressed the gravity of the decision, acknowledging the need for more prayer and reflection.
Similarly, Singapore Cardinal William Goh echoed the sentiment of eventual success, emphasizing the contributions of Pope Francis while maintaining optimism about finding the right successor. “We recognize the achievement of Pope Francis but no pope is perfect, no one is able to do everything, so we’ll find the best person to succeed St. Peter,” he confidently stated.