Thus they prepare the Sistine chapel for the conclave

The installation this Friday of the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican, from which the expected smoking will come out (black if there is no new pontiff, white when there is) was one of the visible signs of the activation of the Vatican machinery for the conclave that starts on Wednesday.

The work team: workers and specialists

But since April 28, when he closed the doors to the tourists, a group of about 60 workers works counterreloj to condition this room that guard the imposing fresco of the final judgment of Miguel Ángel under the supervision of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services of the Government of the State of the city of the Vatican.

As the engineer Silvio Screpanti explains to Vatican mediaDeputy Director of the Infrastructure Area of ​​said Directorate, there are “more than 40 operators – among carpenter, blacksmiths, structures, installers, florists and cleaning personnel -, in addition to another 20 workers external to the support Vatican” finalizing the reforms.

More than a dozen technicians are in turn of “the planning, supervision of the reforms and the coordination of the aspects related to the safety of the workers, while the administrative staff is responsible for accounting for costs and managing purchase orders,” he explains.

First technical steps: stoves and metal structure

The first step was the installation of two stoves connected by scaffolding to the chimney that is located on the roof “through a metal structure with metal tubes and joints,” explains Screpanti.

Although the activation of the fumata mechanism is carried out by electronic control, a specialized technician will remain in a technical room adjacent to the Sistine Chapel during cardinal votes to avoid surprises. “It is prepared to immediately intervene in case of necessity, so that no unforeseen event can hinder the expected and symbolic white smoking,” he says.

Services and roles during the conclave

But it will not be the only one that works between the scenes during the days that the conclave lasts. They will also provide their services “five technicians between electricians and elevator, five specialists in air conditioning and plumbing, and two florists,” reports Screpanti.

“Together with the Mass of Exequias, the conclave constitutes one of the most significant moments in the life of the Catholic Church,” he adds after verifying that for all workers it is a reason for pride to contribute to the image of sobriety, dignity and effectiveness that this moment must accompany.

Commitment and Secret: Isolation of workers

Like the cardinal electors, these workers will have to make an oath to maintain the secret that surrounds the election of the new Pope.

“They will work full time and sleep in the Vatican, without the possibility of having some contact with their families,” he says who appears as one of the maximum responsible for the adequacy operations of the Sistine Chapel.

To guarantee the maximum confidentiality, the crystals of the Apostolic Palace that limit with the areas destined for conclave are also darken; The technological armor system that usually protects the frescoes of Miguel Ángel is disabled; All technological devices, sensors and usual surveillance cameras are dismantled, and the more than 80 accesses and entrance points to the perimeter of the Sistine chapel are prevented.

Installation of a platform and furniture

The conditioning of the Sistine Chapel also goes through the installation of a platform that levels the precious Renaissance marble pavement, guaranteeing stability and facilitating access and uniformity for the 133 cardinals called.

On this stage the tables and banks are then placed, in addition to the seats identified by the corresponding cardinal name. Then you have tablecloths for specialized upholstery.

Decoration with flowers and final details

On the other hand, the Vatican florist takes care of all the decorative details of the Balcony of the Central Lodge of the Basilica of San Pedro, which Pope Francis for last appeared one day before he died, and from which the new Pontiff will greet the world.

“It is especially exciting to observe the dedication with which each partner performs their work in their respective scope of competition,” says Screpanti.

As soon as the conclave ends, with the new chosen Pope, they will have to work to disassemble all the technical deployment.

In addition, they will have to start with the preparations in the Plaza de San Pedro for the Solemn Mass at the beginning of the new pontificate.