Cardinals from around the world have gathered at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis, turning attention to the upcoming vote for his successor. The Conclave 2025 will take place inside the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather to elect the next pontiff.
Preparations include Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on May 7 before the cardinals enter the Chapel for the private meeting. This assembly includes cardinals from various countries, making it the largest papal conclave in history.
Discussions during recent pre-conclave sessions reveal differing perspectives on the Church's future course. Some cardinals have expressed reservations about the direction of the Church under the previous pontificate. Others favor continuing that approach. These conversations highlight challenges facing the Church's leadership in maintaining tradition while addressing modern issues.
The process involves secret ballots until a two-thirds majority is reached within the enclosed Chapel. Maintaining strict confidentiality surrounds the vote.
Communication of the vote's outcome relies on a visible signal: rising smoke from a temporary chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof. Black smoke means no decision, white smoke means a new pope has been elected. This method informs the world while preserving voting secrecy.
Producing the smoke involves a specialized setup. Two stoves are used. One burns the ballots, and the other generates the colored smoke signals using chemical mixtures. For white smoke, chemicals like potassium chlorate and lactose are used. Black smoke employs a mix including potassium perchlorate and sulfur. These substances are electronically ignited in pre-packed cartridges. Installing the chimney requires care to protect the historic building. The complex vote process demands this precise communication method.
This tradition, dating back centuries, is maintained for its symbolic connection to religious rituals and its ability to include people watching in St. Peter's Square in the event.
In recent elections, the visual smoke signal is supplemented by the ringing of bells once white smoke appears, providing clear confirmation of the election.
"This is about tradition and secrecy, but it has real theological heft to it as well," said Candida Moss, a theology professor. "Plus 'Catholic Church' and 'cutting edge' are far from synonyms - innovation is almost antithetical to ritual."
