VATICAN CITY — As preparations intensify for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, workers at the Vatican have installed a humble stove in the Sistine Chapel. This stove will facilitate the traditional burning of ballots, a key component of the process that signifies the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The Holy See shared a video on Saturday showcasing the ongoing modifications in the Sistine Chapel, which will host the election set for May 7. Among the changes is the addition of a false floor to ensure a level surface, as well as rows of wooden tables where cardinals will cast their votes. Furthermore, a ramp has been constructed to accommodate any cardinals who may require wheelchair access.

Prior to these developments, emergency services were spotted on the roof of the chapel installing a chimney. This chimney will emit smoke signals to the world, indicating the outcome of the voting process. Black smoke will signify that the cardinals were unable to elect a new pope, while white smoke will confirm the election of a successor.

The conclave will mark the beginning of a solemn ceremonial period following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. As the first Latin American pontiff, his death has left a significant legacy, and the forthcoming election is eagerly anticipated by the global Catholic community.

The proceedings will commence with a Mass celebrated on Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Following the Mass, the cardinal electors will sequester themselves from the public to deliberate on their choices. Later, they will enter the Sistine Chapel, participate in meditation, and take oaths before initiating the voting process.

A total of 133 cardinals are expected to attend the conclave. If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—during the initial round, the ballots will be disposed of in the stove. This signals that no pope has been named, and the cardinals will spend the night at their Vatican residences before resuming voting the following day.

Voting will continue with two sessions on Thursday, repeating two ballots each round until a new pope emerges. After each pair of votes, the ballots will be burned. If no agreement is reached, the mixture used to create black smoke includes potassium perchlorate and sulfur, while white smoke is produced with potassium chlorate and lactose.

A notable moment occurred during the last conclave on March 13, 2013, when white smoke emerged from the chimney, and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was introduced as Pope Francis shortly thereafter.

In the days leading up to the conclave, cardinals are engaging in informal discussions to explore the future direction of the Catholic Church. These conversations focus on the pressing needs and the characteristics sought in the next pope to lead the faithful in a rapidly changing world.