In preparation for the beginning of the conclave to elect the 267th pope, firefighters at the Vatican have attached to the roof of the Sistine Chapel the chimney pipe that the world will watch anxiously beginning next week.
The smoke that eminates from the chimney will signal the end of each balloting session by the College of Cardinals, when the ballots themselves are thrown into the fireplace within the chapel. Black smoke rising from the chimney indicates that the vote did not result in an election; but when white smoke puffs out, the world will know that a new Pope has been elected.
According to Reuters, the chimney is clearly visible from the nearby St Peter's Square, where thousands are expected to gather during the conclave to see how the secret balloting is progressing.
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