The chimney has been installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, the Pope's private chapel in the Vatican, where the legendary conclave begins next week.
When the 133 cardinals gather for the conclave on Wednesday, it is through the chimney that the news is announced. Then, white smoke rises towards the sky above the Vatican. After each unsuccessful round of voting, black smoke rises instead.
At least 89 votes is required to elect a new Pope. During the conclave, all forms of contact with the outside world – phone, TV, radio, mail, and newspapers – are forbidden for the cardinals. Throughout history, the papal election has taken anywhere from a few hours to nearly three years.
The Sistine Chapel consists of a long room with a barrel vault adjacent to St. Peter's Church. The walls are adorned with frescoes by Botticelli and Pinturicchio, and the ceiling is covered by Michelangelo's scenes from the creation story.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, after twelve years as Pope. 000 spectators, as well as a multitude of world leaders and dignitaries, attended Saturday's funeral on St. Peter's Square.
