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Conclave: What’s in that black or white smoke?
- White smoke from the Sistine Chapel signifies the election of a new Pope during a papal conclave.
- The tradition of using smoke signals originated from burning ballot papers for secrecy in the 15th century.
- Black smoke indicates no consensus among cardinals, while white smoke confirms the selection of a new Pope.
- Initially, the smoke was not intended as public signaling, but observers interpreted it as such over time.
- Earlier methods involved burning damp straw and tar, leading to confusion between black and white smoke colors.
- The current formula for generating black smoke at the conclave includes potassium perchlorate and anthracene.
- White smoke is produced using potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine rosin for a cleaner combustion process.
- Modern chemistry has refined the smoke production to ensure clear distinctions between black and white smoke signals.
- The evolution of the smoke signaling system at the conclave highlights its transformation into a precise communication tool.
- The practice of generating white or black smoke has become a distinctive and unmistakable feature during papal elections.
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