The Vatican’s blue sky prepares to receive black and white smoke during the conclave-the vote that will choose the new Pope next Wednesday (7).
As the process of choosing a pontiff is secret, the public learns whether or not the cardinals elected the new leader of the Catholic Church through the colors of the smoke. The black color means that there was no decision, while Branca announces the choice of a new Pope.
Sanctis Massimilian Fireworks expert, who provided the smoke system at Pope Benedict XVI’s conclave in 2005, and Pope Francis in 2013, explains how the smoke are created: “White pyrotechnic smoke is composed of lactose and black pyrotechnic smoke is made up of naphthalene. Pyrotechnic consisting of six two -minute smoke grenades is inserted along with the burning of banknotes. If the Pope is not elected (the smoke) is black and if the Pope is chosen is white.
Even the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, the smoke was made in the traditional way. For the black color, the paper banknotes were burned alone and for the white color a wet straw was added.
But this model opened margins for interpretation and did not bring an intense color: white or black. Therefore, the Vatican added an electronic system to the process.
Since then, two stoves are installed and connected to a single chimney that leads to the roof of the sistine chapel. One is made of cast iron and is used to burn the banknotes. This stove has been used in all conclaves since 1939.
The second stove is electronic and contains a key, a red button to turn on and seven small temperature indicating lights.
After voting, the cardinals burn the paper banknotes in the first stove and add a cartridge to the second – which will provide white or black. From this, the cardinal presses the call button and a smoke is emitted for seven minutes.
Although not participating in this year’s conclave, Sanctis recalls with joy the last two votes: “Providing the essential material for the Pope’s election was a huge joy and great satisfaction for us. Also because you don’t choose a Pope every day.”
*With information from Reuters
Understand how the conclave that chooses the Pope of the Catholic Church works
This content was originally published in Understand how the smoke is made that reveals the choice of a new Pope on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
