The Tradition of Smoke Signals in Papal Elections
When black smoke pours from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, it signifies that the conclave of cardinals has not yet elected a new pope, as was the case on Wednesday following the first ballot for Pope Francis’s successor. This well-documented visual cue is a longstanding tradition within the Catholic Church and has captivated the attention of millions worldwide.
Understanding the Significance of Smoke Colors
The ritual of signaling the results of papal elections using smoke is both symbolic and practical. Black smoke indicates that a new pope has not been chosen, while white smoke confirms the election of a new leader of the church. This dual-color system has become a quintessential element of the election process for the church’s 1.4 billion followers.
Historical Importance of Smoke as a Communication Method
The use of smoke as a means of communication dates back centuries. According to Clare Johnson, a professor specializing in Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at Australian Catholic University, smoke signals have historically been utilized for various purposes, including warnings and announcements. Many indigenous cultures have developed intricate methods of conveying messages through smoke, which can vary in color and form.
Johnson states, “These techniques can include changing the location of the fire… and adjusting the colour of smoke.” This historical context adds depth to the Vatican’s choice of using smoke for announcing papal elections.
The Evolution of the Papal Election Process
The conclave system, rooted in the Latin term meaning “with key,” involves cardinals locked away from outside influence while they deliberate and vote for a new pope. The burning of ballots has been a practice since at least 1417, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that the Sistine Chapel incorporated a chimney specifically for this purpose. Initially, smoke signals indicated the reverse; absence of smoke meant a new pope had been elected, and black smoke suggested otherwise.
Historically, the first use of white smoke to signify the election of a pope occurred in 1914. This practice was influenced by Pope Pius X, who ordered not just the ballots but all election-related papers to be burned, thus creating a more prominent visual signal at the conclusion of the election.
How the Color of Smoke Is Created
Over time, the conclave has refined its method for producing distinct smoke colors. In response to past ambiguities—including incidents in 1958 when the smoke first appeared white and then turned black—chemical agents have been introduced to achieve consistent results. As former Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi noted in 2013, the cardinals utilize specific combinations of chemicals: potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur generate black smoke, while potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin yield white smoke.
Can a Pope Be Elected on the First Ballot?
While it remains a theoretical possibility for a pope to be elected on the first ballot, the reality is that modern elections often extend over several rounds of voting. The shortest conclave on record in 1503 lasted just ten hours, resulting in the election of Pope Pius III. In contrast, the late Pope Francis was elected after two days and five ballots, while the two prior popes were similarly elected within two to three days.
The longest conclave, however, is a notable outlier; it stretched nearly three years, culminating in the election of Pope Gregory X in September 1271.