How the Vatican makes its smoke signal

A chimney has been installed on the Sistine Chapel in preparation for the papal conclave following Pope Francis’s death. The smoke rising from the chimney will signal the selection of a new pope: black for no decision and white for a successful election, a process involving engineered stoves and precise chemical mixtures for smoke signals. The Vatican’s meticulous setup includes rehearsals and fire crews on standby, ensuring that tradition persists in modern times despite advancements in communication.