Today, thanks to modern chemistry, the smoke is unmistakable—thick black billows for inconclusive votes, or a bright white plume when a new pope is elected.

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 2 - The chimney that billows smoke during elections for a new pope was being installed on the roof the Sistine Chapel Friday ahead of the conclave of cardinals that begins next ...

Vatican workers were seen hoisting a chimney onto the roof at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave.

Gregorio Borgia Firefighters place the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather to elect the new pope, at the Vatican, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) ...

Black smoke billows from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel indicating that the College of Cardinals have failed to elect a new Pope on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

The result is a mixture of steam and white or light gray smoke that contrasts sharply with the dark, carbon-rich black smoke.

Vatican firefighters were seen on the roof of the Sistine Chapel installing the chimney, a key moment in the preparation for the May 7 conclave.

Vatican firefighters install chimney on roof of Sistine Chapel for papal election If the smoke is black, the vote was inconclusive, but white smoke means a pope has been chosen. (CNN) ...

Vatican firefighters were seen on the roof of the Sistine Chapel installing the chimney, a key moment in the preparation for the May 7 conclave. After every two rounds of voting in the Sistine Chapel, ...

Preparations for the conclave to find a new pope have accelerated with the installation of the chimney at the Sistine Chapel that will signal the election of a successor to Pope Francis.