Preparations for the conclave to find a new pope accelerated Friday with the installation of the chimney out of the Sistine Chapel that will signal the election of a successor to Pope Francis.

The Vatican is closing the Sistine Chapel to the public as part of its preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Pope Francis

Members of the Vatican’s fire brigade were seen on the roof of the Sistine Chapel on Friday, Rome time, attaching the chimney that will emit smoke from the ballots burned inside. It is the most visible part of a complex and secretive election process set to begin on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88.