Vatican Prepares for Conclave to Elect Pope Francis’ Successor
vatican City is preparing for the conclave to elect the 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter morning at the age of 88 [[1]]. The conclave is scheduled to begin May 7 [[1]].
The Chimney: A Signal to the world
A key element of the preparations is the installation of a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.This chimney will signal to the world whether or not a new pope has been elected.
- Black Smoke: Indicates that no pope has been chosen. The smoke is blackened by burning the ballots with tar.
- White Smoke: Signals the election of a new pope. White smoke is produced by mixing combustible ballot papers with potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin.
Tradition and Symbolism
The use of smoke signals is a long-standing tradition in the election of a new pope. The last time white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel was March 13,2013,announcing the election of Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio,who took the name Francis.
Cardinal consultations
Prior to the conclave, cardinals are engaged in discussions about the future of the Catholic Church and the qualities needed in the next pope. All cardinal consultations are involved, even though the voting rights are 80 years old.
Recent discussions have included reports on the Vatican’s financial situation and individual conversations about future priorities and challenges observed during Pope Francis’s tenure.
Vatican News on Sistine Chapel Preparations
The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel has been set up to host 133 Cardinal electors for the upcoming conclave to elect the 267th Pope.
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
— vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 3,2025
FAQ: Understanding the Papal Conclave
- When does the conclave begin?
- The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7 [[1]].
- What happens if black smoke appears?
- Black smoke signifies that the cardinals have not yet elected a new pope.
- How is white smoke produced?
- White smoke is created by burning the ballots with a mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin.
- Who is eligible to vote?
- All cardinal consultations are involved, although the voting rights are 80 years old.
