![[FILES] White smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that cardinals elected a new pope on the second day of their secret conclave on 13 March 2013 at the Vatican. When Catholic cardinals vote in the conclave, they then burn their ballots, sending up black smoke to signal no decision or white smoke to show they have chosen a new pope.
The centuries-old tradition of using smoke has changed over time -- as has the technology used.](https://images.assettype.com/tribune/2025-05-07/3xqweiog/00044MK962.jpg?w=200&auto=format&q=70&rect=0%2C37%2C3600%2C2363&h=131&fit=crop)
White smoke and an ancient formula: How the world learns a new Pope has been chosen
From color-coded smoke to a Latin proclamation on the balcony, centuries-old traditions still define the moment a new pope is elected.
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papal election tradition
Latest Daily Tribune news and analysis on papal election tradition.