How Popes are elected: Inside the Conclave, smoke signals

When the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics needs to be chosen, the Roman Catholic Church turns to a centuries-old, highly secretive process known as the Conclave.

This gathering of cardinals culminates in a visual signal that captures the world’s attention: the smoke billowing from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel.

The colour of this smoke – black or white – is a crucial indicator of the election’s progress and outcome.

The authority to elect a new pope rests with the College of Cardinals, senior Church officials appointed by previous pontiffs.

The Vatican is expected to commence the election process following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.

However, only those cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to cast their vote.

As of April 2025, there are 135 cardinal electors, a number slightly exceeding the traditional limit of 120.

“The College of Cardinals, specifically those under eighty, hold the responsibility of electing the next Pope,

“Their deliberations within the Conclave are paramount,” explained Vatican expert Dr. Alessandra Ricci.

Sealed in secrecy

To shield the process from external pressures, the cardinal electors are sequestered within the Vatican, most notably inside the Sistine Chapel.

The very term “conclave” means “with a key,” underscoring the complete isolation from the outside world.

Communication is strictly forbidden; no phones, internet access, or news are permitted.

Security measures are rigorous, with experts ensuring no hidden recording devices are present. Even support staff and medical personnel take an oath of absolute secrecy, with excommunication as the penalty for any leaks.

The voting, smoke signals

The election process involves secret ballots. After a solemn Mass and an oath of confidentiality, the cardinals write their choice for Supreme Pontiff on rectangular ballots.

These are then folded, submitted anonymously, and counted aloud by designated scrutineers.

Following the count, the ballots are pierced and threaded together before being burned. It is during this burning that the world awaits the crucial signal from the chimney.

“The burning of the ballots is not just a disposal method; it’s the mechanism by which the world learns of the Conclave’s progress,” noted religious commentator Father Michael O’Connell.

Black smoke signifies no decision

When black smoke rises from the chimney, it signifies that none of the candidates has yet secured the necessary two-thirds majority of votes. This indicates that the cardinals will continue the voting process, with up to four ballots taken each day.

In the past, black smoke was produced by adding damp straw to the fire.

White smoke means a Pope has been elected

The appearance of white smoke is the eagerly awaited sign that a new Pope has been successfully elected.

Once a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned, and chemicals are added to produce the distinct white smoke. This visual cue alerts the world that the Conclave has reached its conclusion.

“The moment the white smoke appears, it signifies a moment of profound significance for Catholics globally,” Father O’Connell added.

It means the Holy Spirit has guided the cardinals to choose a new shepherd for the Church.”

From the election to an announcement

Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes and accepts the election, he chooses his papal name.

The cardinals then offer their pledge of obedience. Tailors standing by provide papal robes, and after a brief fitting, the new Pope emerges onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

There, the senior cardinal deacon delivers the historic announcement: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum… Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy… We have a Pope!”).

The new pontiff then gives his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi – to the city and to the world – marking the dawn of a new era for the Catholic Church, all signalled by that crucial plume of white smoke.