The color of the smoke used to signal the election of a new pope is white. White smoke indicates that a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke means that no decision has been reached yet by the cardinals during the conclave
. This tradition is centuries old and involves burning the ballots in a special stove in the Sistine Chapel, with chemical additives used to ensure the smoke is distinctly white or black for clarity
. The white smoke is often accompanied by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica to confirm the election of the new pope
