[NYer]

Workers install the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Friday April 15, 2005.The chimney is connected to the stove used to burn ballot papers during the conclave. When white smoke passes through, it will mean the new pope has been chosen.

Two stoves, a new one and the original (R), sit ready for the conclave in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, April 15, 2005.

VOTING PROCEDURE

[NYer]

Workers prepare the Vatican's Sistine Chapel for the conclave, April 15, 2005. The conclave that starts on Monday to elect Pope John Paul's successor in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel will be steeped in age-old traditions -- cardinals in red cassocks, Latin chants and ballots written on the finest quality paper. But this fresh look conclave will also be the first with new rules -- including allowing fresh air for the 'inmates.' REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Cardinals pray before the meeting of the College of Cardinals in the Synod Hall at the Vatican, April 15, 2005. The conclave that starts on Monday to elect Pope John Paul's successor in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel will be steeped in age-old traditions -- cardinals in red cassocks, Latin chants and ballots written on the finest quality paper. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[gridlock]

There was a movie about the election of a Pope back in the 50s or 60s. I remember it went into great detail about the burning of the ballots and the crowds watching this chimney from the Plaza below. Does any FReeper recall the name of that movie? (After all, FReepers know everything!) I would love to rent it!

[TX Bluebonnet]

How do they change the color of the smoke?

[Lazamataz]

NO SOCIALIST!

[SolomoninSouthDakota]

"Two stoves, a new one and the original (R), sit ready for the conclave in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, April 15, 2005."

I first thought that this new rule adding the bells now makes the "communication process" seem pretty silly. If the bells are a "sure sign", why keep going with the smoke "thingy". A little consideration though and I can see where redundancy for more assuredness is a good thing and besides, the smoke will still be an indicator that at least a vote has been taken even if a pope is not selected. That is something the absence of bell ringing would not tell.
That said, the presence of TWO stoves in the Sistine Chapel does seem ridiculous. I heat our house with one similar sized stove and I just can't figure out why they want to have two there. If the original is rusted out, take it out! Stoves are not that complicated that you would need two for redundancy.