Waiting for the Smoke That Heralds a New Pope

The highly secretive selection of the next pope began in the Sistine Chapel’s secure vault at 5 p.m., with cardinals writing votes by hand to avoid leaving clues. Outside, thousands waited for news via smoke from a newly installed chimney. At 9 p.m., black smoke signalled a successful vote, while white smoke would have indicated an immediate, first-round election—a rare and historic achievement.