Chimney Installed for Pope Election in Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI left Vatican City on February 28 for the last time as leader of the billion-member Roman Catholic Church. Photo by EPA/BGNES

A chimney has been installed by firefighters on top of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican ahead of the conclave which will elect a new pope.

The election of a new pope will be marked by white smoke appearing from the chimney.

Roman Catholic cardinals will begin electing a new pope on March 12.

Pope Benedict XVI stepped down last month after nearly eight years in office, becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

The 85-year-old blamed his failing health for his inability to carry on.

Under the rules of the secret ballot, or conclave, cardinals will vote until one achieves a two-thirds majority.

The vote will be preceded by Mass on Tuesday morning, with the first ballot due in the afternoon.