Vatican tests chimney for papal election smoke signals

The chimney that will signal the election of a new pope has been installed atop the Sistine Chapel, with Vatican officials confirming successful testing.

This chimney is connected to two stoves: a historic cast-iron unit from 1939 for burning ballots and a modern one from 2005 for producing smoke signals.

Black smoke will indicate no decision has been reached, while white smoke, accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter's bells, will announce the election of a new pontiff.

The papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88, is set to begin next Wednesday.

Cardinals have been holding informal discussions on issues facing the Catholic Church, including spreading the faith, fostering unity, and addressing scandals.

Of the 133 cardinal electors, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, and front-runners include Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.