The Sistine Chapel of the Vatican is preparing for the conclave that will determine who will be the successor of Francis. Technicians are working hard to ensure everything is ready, setting up the voting tables for the cardinals and the stove where they will burn their secret votes.
All cardinals are expected to arrive at the Vatican's main residence before the Wednesday morning mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Meanwhile, Vatican workers have been installing the stove and tables in the Sistine Chapel, as well as taking measures to prevent any electronic interference during the deliberations.
The engineer in charge of the works, Silvio Screpanti, mentioned that electronic sensors installed in the Sistine Chapel in recent years to protect the paintings are being deactivated. A "technological blackout" will be carried out to prevent espionage during the conclave.
In the coming days, all windows of the Apostolic Palace facing the Sistine Chapel will be darkened, and seals will be placed around the area where the cardinals will reside to prevent the presence of outsiders. Additionally, a chimney will be erected on the roof over the chapel to emit the smoke that will indicate the election of the new pope.
Regarding the preparations before the election, rumors about the health of one of the main candidates, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, were denied by the Vatican spokesman. Preparations continue as the cardinals meet to discuss the future needs of the Church and the type of leadership it requires.
Some cardinals have expressed feeling the pressure to find a new pope, but they trust that God's choice will become evident at the right time. They wish to spend more time praying together before the conclave begins.
