Warning: This article contains spoilers for Conclave.
Conclave depicts a traditional Catholic practice through the use of different colors of smoke to signal updates to spectators during an important event. The new thriller is a fictionalization of a real, semi-regular event, which demonstrates some accuracy. For centuries, the papal conclave has used smoke to communicate the results of one of the most anticipated moments in the Catholic Church: the election of a new pope, which takes place in Conclaveis ending.
There are only two colors of smoke used in conclaves: black and white. However, regardless of color, the smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel is both heavy and matter-of-fact, and Conclave allows the audience to witness and learn about this ancient symbolic process. Understand what each color means – black for deliberation and white for decision, which is used when Conclaveof new Pope is chosen — reveals the deep symbolism and traditions surrounding this centuries-old Catholic custom.
Cardinals use black smoke when conclave fails to elect a new pope
The Conclave’s black smoke resembles a failed deliberation
During the conclave, the cardinals’ first vote is cast to narrow their options among the candidates who could best lead the Church. If no candidate obtains the required two-thirds majority of votes, black smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This smoke signals to the public that, despite discussions and votes, the election remains undecided.
As spectators watch the dark plumes rise, they witness the cardinals grappling with the Church’s most important decision.
The process behind this is meticulous. Ballots are burned after each round of voting and chemicals are added to create the dark color needed for black smoke. This ritual, although simple in concept, is full of meaning. The black smoke represents the continued deliberation of the cardinals, conveying that the leadership of the Church is being chosen carefully and with the utmost discernment. As spectators watch the dark plumes rise, they witness the cardinals grappling with the Church’s most important decision.
Historically, black smoke has also been seen as a mark of suspense. During some conclaves, the days passed with only black smoke rising, usually provoking tension, concern and curiosity among the faithful awaiting the announcement of their next spiritual leader. The phenomenon of repeated black smoke has persisted into modern times, as witnessed in the recent papal elections, adding a layer of mystery to the internal processes of the Church.
Cardinals use white smoke when a new pope is elected
Conclave’s white smoke signifies a new papal era
The appearance of white smoke signals that a decision has been made, and there is a new pope to be announced soon. When a cardinal finally reaches the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned along with a specific chemical compound to create white smoke. This long-awaited smoke means that the Church has found a new leader, ushering in a time of relief and excitement for Catholics and viewers around the world.
It marks not only the choice of a new leader, but also the beginning of a new era in Catholicism.
The tradition of white smoke was fully exposed in 2013 with the election of Pope Francis. After several rounds of black smoke, white smoke finally arose, accompanied by the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica to confirm that a new pope had been elected. The symbolism of white smoke resonates deeply, representing purity, unity and hope for renewal within the Church. It marks not only the choice of a new leader, but also the beginning of a new era in Catholicism.
To avoid any confusion about the color, since the beginning of the 20th century, the Church has refined the process, adding bells to accompany the white smoke. to make the ad clear. In a 2005 update, the Vatican used modern chemical compounds to ensure the clarity of white smoke, as misinterpretations of smoke have led to premature celebrations or misunderstandings in the past (via BBC). The visibility of the white smoke, therefore, is now almost as anticipated as the announcement itself, as it unmistakably signals the future leadership of the Church.
Why Cardinals Use Smoke to Update Public on Pope Election
The Conclave’s use of smoke dates back to a time long before mass communication and the media
The use of smoke during the papal conclave dates back centuries and has a practical and symbolic purpose. Historically, Before advanced communications, smoke provided a visible signal that people could observe from afar, even if they couldn’t be near the Sistine Chapel. This method allowed all Catholics, regardless of language or distance, to witness the announcement in real time, a tradition that continues today even with television and digital coverage.
The symbolism of smoke has deep roots in the history of the Church. In the Old Testament, the smoke was a sign of God’s presence and interventionas when the smoke rose from the burning bush on Mount Sinai when Moses received the Ten Commandments. Likewise, the smoke from the conclave serves as a reminder of the divine guidance sought by the cardinals in choosing a new pope. Black smoke embodies patience and reflection, while white smoke heralds a new chapter, representing clarity, divine choice, and guidance.
The physicality of smoke is also an anchoring ritual, serving to unite the Church through a shared, visible experience that is not tainted by modern glamour. While the conclave is a deeply private affair, the smoke is public, allowing Catholics around the world to connect with the rather enigmatic selection process. The use of smoke in both Conclave and real life reinforces the Church’s respect for tradition while serving as a lasting and memorable method of communication.
Source: BBC