Vatican workers have been finalising preparations in the Sistine Chapel for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, with key installations including the traditional stove where ballots will be burned. As the start of the conclave approaches, speculation over potential papal candidates continues to grow.
On Saturday, the Holy See released a video showing key steps in the setup ahead of the May 7 conclave. Workers were seen installing a false floor to level the chapel and setting up plain wooden tables where the cardinals would sit and vote. A ramp has also been added to ensure access for any cardinal using a wheelchair.
The College of Cardinals held their ninth General Congregation on Saturday morning, as they continue their discernment on the state of the Church and the qualities required for the next Pope.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 3, 2025
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told reporters that 177… pic.twitter.com/xn5MQqWq8e
Meanwhile, fire crews have already positioned the chimney on the chapel roof — the iconic outlet for the smoke signals that announce whether a new pope has been elected.
This conclave will determine the successor to Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The solemn proceedings begin with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, after which the electors are fully secluded from the outside world.
The Vatican's Sistine Chapel has been set up to host 133 Cardinal electors for the upcoming conclave to elect the 267th Pope.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 3, 2025
On Friday, the Vatican's fire brigade was seen atop the Sistine Chapel's roof installing the chimney that will emit black smoke if at least 89 Cardinals… pic.twitter.com/lHv1uSBY6k
On Wednesday afternoon, the 133 participating cardinal electors (pending the arrival of four more) will process into the Sistine Chapel, hear a spiritual reflection, and take an oath of secrecy before casting their first ballots. If no candidate achieves the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—the ballots will be burned with chemicals that emit black smoke, signalling no election.
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Voting resumes on Thursday with up to four ballots per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After every second vote, ballots are burned. Black smoke (using potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur) indicates no result, while white smoke (produced using potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin) signals the successful election of a new pope.
In the lead-up to the conclave, cardinals are engaging in private meetings to reflect on the Church’s needs and discuss what kind of leader is required next.
Despite recent rumours about the health of frontrunner Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni denying the reports said that he is expected to fully participate in the conclave. Bruni also confirmed that Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera and Cardinal John Njue will not attend due to health reasons, reducing the number of electors to 133.
