Here's how the conclave creates black and white smoke and why the Catholic Church began using them to signal whether a new ...

At the end of each voting round, black smoke means a new pope has not yet to be selected, while white smoke indicates a new ...

A change in popes is a complicated process. Centuries-old rituals are involved in the transition in leadership for both the ...

For white smoke, a compound of the chemicals potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin (also known as Greek pitch) is used, ...

Rather than soot, the smoke contains microscopic droplets and fine solids that are transparent or white. The result is a ...

Papal conclave ballots have been burned to maintain secrecy for centuries. Ballot smoke has been used to announce a decision ...

The result is a mixture of steam and white or light gray smoke that contrasts sharply with the dark, carbon-rich black smoke. Over the years, the papal conclave smoke signal has evolved from an ...

The 2025 papal conclave is underway. Who will be the new pope when the white smoke settles? Who is the odds-on favorite? Are ...

This selection comes after two days of conclave in the Sistine Chapel, tying the modern record for the fastest selection of a ...

After two days of contemplation and balloting, a new Pope has been elected. White smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel ...

No cameras will be allowed inside the church during the vote, so the result will remain secret until white smoke emerges from ...

The use of chemicals to ensure either black or white smoke was introduced after the 1958 conclave when damp straw added to papers from an unsuccessful ballot did not ignite at first. White smoke ...