US EditionBlack or white smoke: How the Vatican signals the election of a new pope
- During the papal conclave, the cardinals cast their votes and then incinerate their ballots in a special stove, producing smoke whose color indicates whether a new pope has been chosen.
- This tradition, which dates back to the 15th century to prevent vote tampering, evolved as burning ballots began signaling voting outcomes at conclaves usually held in Rome.
- The stove, around one metre tall and first used in 1939, burns ballots producing black smoke for no decision and white smoke, first used in 1914, for a new pope.
- Since 2005, a newer electronically activated stove with a fan and chemical additives to improve smoke visibility has been tested and monitored by a technician locked inside near the Sistine Chapel, with bells tolling to confirm the announcement.
- This system aims to prevent technical failures and ambiguity, as the bells toll to clarify the meaning when white smoke could appear grey, ensuring the global signal of a pope’s election is clear and reliable.
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87 Articles
87 Articles
All
Left
11
Center
17
Right
17
Coverage Details
Total News Sources87
Leaning Left11Leaning Right17Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center, 38% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 38% of the sources lean Right
38% Right
L 24%
C 38%
R 38%
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