What does black smoke mean in the choice of the Pope? How’s it done?

Few pictures are as recorded in the Catholics’ mind (and even non -Katholic) like the black smoke that colors the Vatican’s sky in the days to choose a new pope.

Last time the chimney in the Sixtin chapel showed dark smoke and finally was white smoke in 2013, with the choice of Pope Francis. Now the world is waiting for the smoke signal that will indicate the choice of its successor.

Conclave is an event of great importance in the Catholic Church, where cardinals gather to choose a new pope. During this process, one of the most recognizable symbols is the smoke coming out of the Sistine chapel, which for the world indicates the result of the vote. This smoke can be of two colors: black or white, each with a clear meaning.

Black smoke

Black smoke is a sign that the conclave could not choose a new pope. This occurs when the vote does not result in a qualified majority (two -thirds of the votes) for one of the candidates.

When black smoke is released, it indicates to the public that the cardinals are still considering and that the search for a new spiritual leader for the Catholic Church continues. Black smoke is often associated with a sense of expectations and uncertainty, as they are eagerly awaiting the choice of the new pope.

Vitrök

On the other hand, white smoke is a sign of celebration and joy. She indicates that a new pope was successfully chosen. When white smoke is seen that comes out of the chimney, it is the moment when the cardinals gather to announce the world that a new leader was elected.

This moment is often accompanied by applause and parties by the believers gathered at St. Peter’s square in Rome. White smoke symbolizes the conclusion of the conclave and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church under the direction of the new pope.

How is smoke done?

Smoke production under the conclave is a carefully planned process. Vote banknotes, which are made of special paper, are burned after each vote. To produce black smoke, cardinals add a fire compound in the fire, resulting in dark color. Because it is a dense color, only paper combustion would not be enough to get color.

For white smoke, another method is used, which ensures that smoke is visibly clear and distinct. Zinc -based chemicals can be used, but are not revealed.