The first day of voting ended with no new pope. As night fell, black smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The message was unmistakable: the cardinals had not achieved the two-thirds majority needed to elect a new pope. Hundreds of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, silently scanning the sky with their eyes. When the dark cloud appeared, a subdued wave of reaction washed over the crowds. The conclave will resume.
How the Smoke Gets its Colour
Although the ritual looks old-fashioned, the coloured smoke is a result of chemistry. Officials burn ballots after every vote in a dedicated stove. In order to produce black smoke, they mix potassium nitrate, anthracene, and sulfur. The combination creates heavy dark clouds.
White smoke, an indication of a successful vote, results from the burning of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin. That combination produces a light white puff that rises.
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Old Traditions, Still Respected
Even in the age of technology, the Vatican remains true to this tradition. No warning or press announcements. Just smoke. It is a powerful reminder that some choices require time, prayer, and contemplation.
Cardinals vote secretly inside the chapel. They have no way of leaving, communicating with outsiders, or using any devices. Their mission: to select a leader who can shepherd more than a billion Catholics through contemporary challenges.
What Happens Next
Voting resumes tomorrow. The cardinals will vote as much as four times daily. Until white smoke emerges and bells ring out from the basilica, the world will continue to gaze skyward, holding its breath in anticipation.
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