Vatican Prepares Sistine Chapel for High-Stakes Papal Election

Vatican workers have begun preparations in the Sistine Chapel for the upcoming conclave, the secretive process where cardinals elect a new pope.

Key installations include the traditional stove and chimney, which will signal the election's progress to the world through colored smoke. The conclave is set to begin on May 7, with only cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote. Special machines will ensure the smoke is clearly visible, with black indicating no decision and white announcing a new pope.

These preparations mark the final steps before one of the Catholic Church's most significant events.