Overview

• A specialized chimney has been mounted on the Sistine Chapel to signal voting outcomes during the upcoming papal conclave.
• The conclave, beginning May 7, will see 133 cardinal electors—the largest assembly in history—vote to elect the next pope.
• Smoke signals, enhanced with added chemicals since 2005, will indicate voting results: black for no decision, white for a successful election.
• The chimney connects to two furnaces: a 1939 cast-iron stove for burning ballots and a 2005 furnace for chemical additives to clarify smoke color.
• Once a new pope is chosen, the traditional 'habemus papam' announcement will be made from St. Peter's Basilica's central balcony.