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Vatican City Update: Sistine Chapel Prepares for Papal Election

VATICAN CITY — The iconic Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo’s masterpieces, is currently undergoing significant renovations. Among the updates are the installation of a stove designed for the incineration of ballots and a chimney that will signal to the world when the Catholic Church has elected a new pope.

A recent video from the Vatican press office showcases ongoing work within the 13th-century chapel, as builders erect scaffolding to create a raised wooden floor. This new space will accommodate large tables for the 133 cardinal electors who will cast their votes during the conclave.

In a particular corner of the chapel, workers are installing the stove where the ballots will be burned. The video, released on Friday, also depicts firefighters climbing onto the chapel’s roof to secure the chimney flue.

When the voting concludes, the smoke signaling the election results will be closely observed in St. Peter’s Square. Black smoke indicates that no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority, while white smoke declares the election of a new pontiff.

Silvio Screpanti, the deputy director of infrastructure for Vatican City, reported that five electricians and five technicians will be onsite for the entirety of the conclave. One technician will remain in a small room adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, equipped with a remote control to operate the stove electronically.

In preparation for the electoral proceedings, technicians will "black out all the windows" in the areas designated for the conclave and disable various technological devices and sensors that have been installed in recent years.

On the day before the conclave, approximately 80 lead seals will be placed at all entrance points to the perimeter. Additionally, around 200 rooms at the Santa Marta guest house and a neighboring building are being cleaned and repainted, with some windows blocked for privacy.

Furniture in the accommodations will be kept minimal, including only a bed, bedside table, and wardrobe, according to Screpanti. Some technicians are seasoned veterans from previous conclaves, while others are experiencing it for the first time. All personnel must take an oath of secrecy and will reside within the Vatican, without any contact with their families during this time.