Preparations for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope are continuing in full swing. The traditional chimney was installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel today - a symbolic and key element in the process of electing a new head of the Roman Catholic Church, reports the Associated Press, BTA reports.
Firefighters were seen on the roof of the chapel installing the device that will emit black or white smoke after each vote during the conclave, scheduled for May 7.
After every two rounds of voting, the cardinals' ballots are burned in a special furnace to announce the result. Black smoke - produced by a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulphur - signals that a consensus has not been reached. White smoke, produced using potassium chlorate, lactose and chloroform resin, means that a new pope has been elected.
The last time white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney was on 13 March 2013, during the fifth vote. Shortly afterwards, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was proclaimed Pope Francis from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
The installation of the chimney coincided with the arrival of the cardinals at the Vatican for another day of pre-conclave discussions. They include both voting cardinals and those over 80 who cannot participate in the final vote but have the opportunity to speak.
The consultations discussed future challenges and priorities for the Catholic Church. Particular attention was paid to the difficult financial situation of the Vatican, as well as assessments of the pontificate of Pope Francis so far.