On Friday, a chimney was placed atop the Sistine Chapel to signal to the world when cardinals have elected a new leader to succeed Pope Francis.

Firefighters were seen putting up the fixture ahead of the conclave set to begin next Wednesday. 

In a conclave, cardinals cast their votes through secret ballots, requiring a two-thirds majority for a decision. After each voting session, the results are announced by burning the ballots. The resulting smoke signals to people worldwide and those gathered in St. Peter’s Square about the progress of the election.

Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican means another round of voting will take place. White smoke indicates that a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been chosen.

Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter’s Basilica to bestow the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and the world) blessing at the end of the Easter mass presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, April 20. (AP/Gregorio Borgia))

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced that morning. 

Visitors admire the Sistine Chapel in May 2021. The conclave will begin inside the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, May 7. (AP/Alessandra Tarantino)

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” 

Fox News’ Gabriele Regalbuto and Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.