[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

[mike182d]

As a 23-year-old who was not even alive to witness the last conclave, this is more exciting than I imagined! In theory, we could have a new Pope in the next couple days!

[wideawake]

I wonder if there's a webcam that will show the smoke after each ballot.

[CATravelAgent]

They obviously can get a building permit faster than here in California.

[tlRCta]

Any thoughts anyone:

When a person is elected Pope, is he Pope from the time he accepts he election, or does officially become Pope when he is installed?

Also, this might be a little off-topic, but might the new Pope be crowned with a tiara, like so many before JPI?
(Here's an interesting fun fact: the last tiara made, for Pope Paul VI, is actually in America, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.)