TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church entered a period without its highest spiritual leader, prompting the initiation of the conclave to choose his successor.
According to Antara on Monday, May 5, 2025, one of the most iconic elements of this process is the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the outcome of the cardinals’ vote.
On May 7, 2025, the conclave to elect the new Pope began, after the cardinals present at the fifth General Congregation agreed in a Monday morning meeting, as quoted from Vatican News.
What Black and White Smoke Mean in a Papal Conclave
All conclave processes are conducted in secret. All forms of communication to and from the Vatican during the conclave are prohibited.
During the conclave process, the only information channel for the public and the outside world is the smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
Black smoke (fumata nera) that billows from the chimney means no agreement has been reached. This means there is no candidate who has obtained a two-thirds majority of the total votes. If white smoke (fumata bianca) billows, it indicates the election of a new pope.
This is done after each round, which can occur up to four times a day. When white smoke finally billows, the name of the new pope will be announced to the public, accompanied by the appearance on the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
The Cardinal Protodeacon will appear on the middle balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and make the announcement. "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!")
The new Pope will appear before the public to give his first blessing. The sound of the bells resonates and the people in St. Peter's Square welcome the news of the new Pope.
A few days later, the new Pope will undergo the inauguration ceremony and take full possession of the Papal Throne by receiving the ownership of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome.
Titik Nurmalasari and Dewi Rina Cahyani also contributed to the writing of this article.
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