The world witnessed a historic moment as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, signalling the election of the new pope — Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States. At 69, the Chicago-born leader becomes the 267th pope, now at the helm of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers.
While Catholics in India and across the globe celebrated the announcement, many were intrigued by the mystical smoke signal — a centuries-old tradition that still plays a central role in the papal conclave.
What does the white smoke mean?
In the Roman Catholic Church, the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney tells the world that a new pope has been elected. If the vote is inconclusive, black smoke is emitted instead. These puffs of smoke are the only official communication during the tightly sealed and secretive election process held by the College of Cardinals.
The moment white smoke appears, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out, and excitement builds as the faithful wait to see who will step onto the balcony.
The Tradition of White Smoke
The spectacle of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney is one of the most anticipated rituals in the Catholic Church. It signifies the successful election of a new pope after the cardinals, the College of Cardinals, have cast their votes. The smoke marks the conclusion of the papal conclave, the secretive gathering of cardinals tasked with choosing the successor to Saint Peter.
If a candidate is chosen and has secured a two-thirds majority vote, the ballots are burned, and the white smoke emerges. Conversely, black smoke is released if the vote does not yield a decision, signaling that more rounds of voting are needed.
This smoke signal has been a hallmark of the papal election process for centuries, offering the faithful a visual confirmation of their new leader. The white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, accompanied by the ringing bells of St. Peter’s Basilica, has a deep spiritual significance, representing the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the selection of the new pontiff.
How the Smoke is Created
Inside the Sistine Chapel, two stoves are used to burn the ballots. One stove burns the ballots, while the other produces the smoke. To ensure that the smoke is visible from a distance, specific chemicals are added to create the distinct black or white puffs. Black smoke is generated by burning a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur, while white smoke uses potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin.
The creation of the smoke is a meticulous process, designed to maintain the secrecy of the election while providing the world with the signal that a new pope has been chosen.
The Election Process
The papal conclave, which began on May 7, 2025, involved secret voting by the cardinals, who entered the Sistine Chapel to cast their ballots after taking an oath of secrecy. Throughout the conclave, the cardinals discuss the needs of the Catholic Church and invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance.
If no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, more rounds of voting take place. The conclave is held under strict confidentiality, with cardinals unable to communicate with the outside world until the election is concluded.
In this case, black smoke appeared on May 7, indicating that the cardinals had not yet reached a decision. However, by the morning of May 8, white smoke emerged, signaling that the cardinals had chosen their new leader. This was followed by the announcement of “Habemus Papam” by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, confirming the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV: A New Era
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a monumental moment in the history of the Catholic Church. As the first pope from the United States, his selection represents a new chapter in the Church’s global leadership. At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings with him years of experience as a cardinal and a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Church.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, and urged the faithful to uphold his legacy of unity and compassion. He also outlined his vision for the Church, emphasizing inclusivity, interfaith dialogue, and global social issues.
The Significance of the White Smoke
For Catholics around the world, the white smoke is not just a symbol but a spiritual signifier. It represents the Church’s continued faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which leads the cardinals to elect the right successor to Saint Peter. The smoke ritual is watched by millions, making it one of the most anticipated and revered moments in the Catholic tradition.
The white smoke signaling Pope Leo XIV’s election has reignited hope and excitement within the Catholic community, particularly in regions like India, where the Church is rapidly growing. The symbolism of the white smoke, combined with Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace and unity, holds great promise for the future of the Church.
What Happens Next?
After the announcement of the new pope, the world eagerly awaits the new pontiff’s first steps in his papacy. Pope Leo XIV will embark on his journey as the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, facing challenges that include fostering global peace, addressing the needs of marginalized communities, and guiding the Church through times of social and political change.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com