The Vatican installed the chimney to announce the pope's choice. From 7 May everyone will be with eyes on it
The Vatican installed on Friday, on the roof of the Sixtine Chapel the famous chimney that will remove the white smoke that announces the choice of a new pope following the cardinal vote.
The chimney was installed at the Vatican Photo: Facebook capture
Shortly after 09:00 (07:00 GMT), the technicians finished fixing on the tile roof the thin brown metal cylinder, covered with a cap, which will be in the spotlight starting May 7, the date on which the conclave begins.
From the point of view of the crowded Saint Peter market, the installation has passed rather unobserved, on the building to the right of the majestic basilici of the same name. But tourists and believers alike know exactly what it is, writes News.
“It's about smoke”told AFP Diana Ispego, a Mexican established in the United States, making sure she feels a special atmosphere, “more spiritual ” during this waiting period.
“It is a historical moment, it is very special to be in Rome a few days after the pope's funerals. It is a unique experience in life.” exclaimed Glenn Atherton in London.
The 252 cardinals from all over the world were recalled in Rome following Pope Francis's death, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
Among them, the 133 “princes of the church” Under 80 years and, therefore, entitled to choose his successor – they are 135, but two have declared themselves sick – they will meet to vote in secret, in a process that will take several days.
On the first day, on Wednesday, they will vote once, then from Thursday they will be able to vote twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.
In order for a cardinal to be chosen, he must obtain the necessary majority of two thirds, ie at least 89 votes. If no candidate gets enough votes in the first morning vote, the cardinals will proceed with a second vote and only after its result will be issued the smoke.
The same is true for the afternoon session: if a pope is chosen after the first vote, the white smoke will appear, otherwise the cardinals will proceed with a second vote without burning the ballots.
After three days without success, voting is interrupted for a day of prayer. This is followed by other voting rounds until the final choice.
Meanwhile, cardinals meet in the morning for “general congregations”, where the priorities of the church discuss. On Friday, the opening of the eighth session of these consultations took place, which takes place with closed doors.
“I think the church is in prayer mode, but it should be in surprise mode. Remember what happened to Pope Francis. And what surprise!”, said Cardinal Salvadorian Gregorio Rosa Chavez to reporters on his arrival.
The Argentine Jesuit was not considered a favorite before the last conclave, which led to his choice on March 13, 2013.
“We have many nationalities. The periphery is present, it is incredible”, He added, referring to the fact that Francis called 80% of cardinals, including an unprecedented number of geographically removed areas or with very few Catholics.
The choice generates an intense media interest and is followed closely by believers.
“Francis did a lot for the poor and peace in the world. This must continue”explains Marina, from Germany, who intends to visit the tomb of the late Pope in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday.
