Black smoke

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Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 a.m. local time over St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025.

White or black: How the conclave smoke gets made

May 8, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Where does the smoke come from and how are the two colors — black and white — produced? Read more

Black smoke issues from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no pope has yet been elected, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as first conclave vote ends without new pope

May 7, 2025

By AC Wimmer

The black smoke confirmed the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside had not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least... Read more