Image Source:
Source: foxnews.com
Image content: The Pope sits in a balcony or stage, surrounded by a red curtain. The Pope is wearing a white robe and hat, a white zucchetto, and is adorned with a silver cross necklace. To the left of the image, there is a bouquet of flowers, predominantly featuring pink and white roses.
Summary
The Vatican has begun preparations for a conclave to elect a new pope following the reported death of Pope Francis on April 21. The Sistine Chapel has been equipped with a stove and chimney to burn ballots and signal the outcome of the election through smoke.
Key Points
- The conclave is scheduled to start on May 7 and will involve around 133-135 cardinal electors from around the world.
- The Sistine Chapel has been prepared with a stove and chimney to burn ballots, with black smoke indicating an unsuccessful round of voting and white smoke indicating the successful election of a new pope.
- The cardinals will be sequestered from the world and take oaths of secrecy before casting their votes, with various measures in place to prevent external interference or bugging.