Vatican Prepares for Conclave to Elect New Pope
VATICAN CITY — Preparations are in full swing at the Vatican as workers install a simple stove in the Sistine Chapel, where ballots will be burned during the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. This significant event is set to start on May 7, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
A recent video released by the Holy See shows the installation of the stove, along with a false floor to improve accessibility in the chapel. Simple wooden tables have been arranged for the cardinals to cast their votes, and a ramp has been created for those who may need wheelchair access.
Additionally, fire crews have been seen on the chapel roof installing the chimney that will signal the election results through smoke signals.
Speculation regarding potential candidates is already swirling. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, one of the frontrunners, has been the center of health-related rumors. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni firmly denied reports claiming Parolin had serious health issues earlier this week.
Rumors about candidates’ health can often influence the political dynamics of the conclave, as factions within the Church seek to either hinder or support various candidates. In 2013, when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was being elected as pope, questions arose about his health, yet he was ultimately selected.
Bruni also confirmed that two cardinal electors—Cardinal Antonio Cañizares from Spain and Cardinal John Njue from Kenya—will not participate due to health concerns, reducing the number of participating cardinals to 133.
What Happens in the Conclave?
The conclave will officially begin Wednesday morning with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. After this, the cardinal electors will be secluded from the outside world. They will enter the Sistine Chapel for prayers and take oaths before casting their first ballots.
If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—on the first ballot, the ballots will be burned, producing black smoke to signify that a pope has not yet been elected. The cardinals will conduct further rounds of voting the following day, with ballots being burned after every two rounds.
The smoke from the chimney will indicate whether a new pope has been chosen. White smoke will signal a successful election, while black smoke will suggest that more voting is needed. It took five ballots to elect Pope Francis in 2013, where spectators eagerly awaited the white smoke signaling his election.
As the conclave approaches, cardinals are expected to meet in more informal sessions to discuss the future needs of the Catholic Church and the qualities they seek in its next leader.
