From a radio news program:
People have been renting buildings with a view of the Vatican for over ten years now in anticipation of being on the roof to see the white smoke announcing the election of a new Pontiff.

And Spaw is worried about how many people could be fed and clothed on the price of his ring? Millions of dollars for a ten second view of a chimney. Unbelievable! Until you remember the millions spent on views of Times Square and the "ball" for the Millenium celebration, I guess.

I disagreed strongly with John Paul's conservative view of Catholicism but respect him and wish him an easy passing.