Reason why you see smoke

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88, the Catholic Church has entered a traditional nine-day mourning period. Cardinal Kevin Farrell honored the late pope’s life of service and dedication to the marginalized. After this mourning period, the process to select the next pope, known as the papal conclave, begins. This highly secretive event typically takes place 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death. Around 250 cardinals will gather in Rome, but only 135 under the age of 80 can vote. They stay in isolation at the Vatican and cast ballots in the Sistine Chapel, voting up to four times a day until a two-thirds majority is reached.

Each vote is followed by the burning of ballots, and the resulting smoke signals the outcome: black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision, while white smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new pope has been elected. If voting remains inconclusive after three days, a pause for reflection is mandated before continuing. Once elected, the new pope is asked whether he wishes to keep his baptismal name or adopt a new one. The process concludes with the public announcement “Habemus papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.