A pipe was installed above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on the eve of the conclave.

A chimney was installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on the eve of the election of the new pope, through which the cardinals will announce their decision during the conclave. This was reported by the Vatican News on May 3.

"The installation of the chimney and furnace in the Michelangelo Chapel took place yesterday morning, May 2. It is from this pipe, which millions of eyes will be focused on, that smoke will come out, announcing the election of a new pontiff," the article says.

It is noted that after all the cardinals have taken the oath, the Chief of Ceremonies of the papal court will pronounce Extra omnes ("Everyone out") and the doors of the Sistine Chapel will close for the start of voting.

If two thirds of the electorate voted for the candidate, the election of the pontiff is considered over. White smoke coming from the chimney means that the cardinals have made a decision, black — voting continues, the newspaper writes.

"In the last act, the most exciting, the eyes of the whole world will move from the chimney to the central loggia of St. Peter's Cathedral, from where the Cardinal camerlengo will appear to pronounce: Annuntio vobis, gaudium magnum... ("I declare to you great joy: we have a pope." — Ed.)," indicates the Vatican News.

According to the Reuters news agency, the conclave will meet on May 7 to select a new pope. It is specified that 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world can take part in it.

Pope Francis died at the age of 89 on the morning of April 21 as a result of a cerebral stroke. He last appeared in public on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter celebrations on April 20. It was reported that the pontiff had been struggling with bilateral pneumonia for a long time.