As the official mourning period for Pope Francis draws to a close, the Vatican is ablaze with anticipation as preparations ramp up for a historic conclave set to begin this Wednesday. Church leaders, cardinals, and workers are in a frenzied race against time, readying for the pivotal moment when 133 cardinal electors will gather to choose the next successor to St. Peter.

In Rome, the atmosphere is electric with urgency. The famed chimney of the Sistine Chapel has been installed, signaling that the age-old tradition of signaling the election outcome is at hand. Black smoke will indicate that voting continues, while white smoke will herald the arrival of a new pope. Vatican firefighters have ensured all systems are operational as the world watches closely.

Among the cardinals, a blend of perspectives is emerging. Newly appointed Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius described the peaceful interactions among cardinals as surprising, given the media’s portrayal of a divided church. However, stark contrasts exist, as German Cardinal Gerhard Müller openly criticized Pope Francis for his perceived leniency on hot-button issues like gay marriage, calling for a return to traditional doctrine.

The stakes are monumental, as the diversity among electors could lead to a prolonged conclave, potentially one of the longest in history. Tensions are palpable, reminiscent of the 13th-century conclave that lasted nearly three years, causing locals to lose patience and remove the roof of the building where cardinals were sequestered.

As the clock ticks down to the conclave, the future of the Catholic Church hangs in the balance. Will the next pope continue Francis’s legacy or steer the church in a radically different direction? The world is poised for a historic transformation in one of the most closely watched elections in modern history. Stay tuned as this story unfolds.