A chimney has been installed in the Sistine Chapel to signal the selection of a new pope during the upcoming conclave, starting on May 7. About 135 cardinals will gather to vote in secrecy to choose the successor of Pope Francis. The voting process involves burning ballots in a cast-iron stove, producing either black or white smoke to communicate the results. Black smoke signals that no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority, while white smoke indicates a new pope has been elected. The first smoke signal is anticipated on the evening of May 7.
During the conclave, the cardinals are isolated from the outside world and engage in discussions about the Catholic Church’s needs before entering the Sistine Chapel for the election. If an initial vote does not yield a winner, subsequent rounds will continue until a candidate secures enough votes. Historically, conclaves can vary in length, from the three years it took to elect Pope Gregory X to the quick election of Pope Francis in just one day in 2013.
Smoke signals serve as a means of public communication during the conclave. The exact timing varies, but estimates suggest the first smoke might appear around 7-8 p.m. local time on May 7. If no candidate is chosen that day, more signals can be expected on May 8 and onwards. The smoke’s color relies on chemicals mixed with the ballots: for black smoke, potassium perchlorate and sulfur are used; white smoke is produced using potassium chlorate and lactose.
Once a new pope is elected, he will accept his role, choose a papal name, and be announced from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, marking the conclusion of the conclave.
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