From Reuters.

The chimney for the papal smoke signals is ready. Vatican workers hoisted the chimney pipe onto the roof of the Sistine Chapel, which will be used in burning the ballots for the conclave that will elect a successor to Pope Francis.

The secret meeting begins on May 7, with the sequestered cardinals using the chimney to tell the outside world whether they have elected a new leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.

Black smoke will signify no decision, while white will announce that the 267th pope has been elected.

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