The Election of A Pope -- Prepared for the Gonclave of Cardinals who will elect the Pope, the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican is lined with purple. All cardinals have chairs, desks and canopies overhead, of equal dignity. After the Pope is chosen all canopies are lowered, with exception of that of the newly elected Pontiff. His remains as sign of his authority. February 10, 1955. (Photo by Paul Popper Ltd.).