When the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel spouts white smoke, it means that the Catholic Church officially has a new pope. White smoke tends to be a sign that a fire is creating gas or water vapor. It could be an indicator that a fire is either just starting to burn or dying out.

Smoke signals have occurred at mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon and evening. The longest conclave took three years.

A pyrotechnic expert explains how the black and white papal smoke signals are created:: May 2, 2025:: Rome, Italy::Massimiliano De Sanctis, Fireworks expert''During the conclave the cardinals will have at their disposal this electronic control unit and both black and white pyrotechnic cartridges,