Chimney Raised Over Sistine Chapel as Vatican Prepares for Conclave
Firefighters have fitted a chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican ahead of the conclave which will elect a new pope. Once the conclave starts, it will release smoke that signals whether a new pope is elected. Whoever is picked will become spiritual leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. This of course comes after the breaking announcement of Pope Pope Benedict XVI resignation. The first time in 600 years a Pope has stepped down.
The conclave begins on Tuesday after Mass. Most elections happen pretty fast. Even for Benedict in 2005 he was elected in a mere 24 hours. Under the rules of the conclave, cardinals will vote until one achieves a two-thirds majority.
If its still undecided the Chimney will continue to produce black smoke with the aid of certain chemicals. This lets people waiting in St. Peter’s Square and everyone around the world know what is happening.
Vatican spokesperson Rev. Federico Lombardi said that “If the smoke is released after dark, a spotlight will be trained on the chimney so that it can still be seen” Also saying, “The stove will be tested before the conclave to make sure it can produce smoke.” But it will be tested out of public eye to stay away from any excitement.
Two stoves were installed and attached to a single flue leading up to the roof. One, made of cast iron and used in every conclave since 1939, will be used to burn ballots.
All this while the Catholic church is plagued with other problems. Sex abuse Scandals, Vatican bank issues and its slowly crumbling infrastructure. Whoever will be elected will have many problems to face and solve. To bring back the Vaticans faith in its followers.
Rather ironic that in these dark times for the Vatican that Catholics are waiting for the dark smoke to clear to white.
Jordan is the Spiritual editor for Before its News, Follow him on Twitter: @B4INSpirit and Facebook Like Before it’s News Spirit on Facebook
