All eyes on one chimney: Black or white smoke will come out – Here’s how it works – life

The chimney is the only sign to the outside world whether the new Papa – black smoke means that it is not yet, and white that the decision was made. In the background of this simple signal, a complex furnace system, chemical mixture, and carefully coordinated preparations that last for days is hidden.

Insideand Sicstin chapelsDuring the conclave, two special furnaces are placed – one used to burn ballots, and the second to create a smoke showing the outcome of the voting.

The whole process is carefully designed: chimney, specially made furnace, as well as a precise chemical mixture are used to know the believers from the outside if the new Pope was selected.

If black smoke appears, it means that the pope has not been selected yet. If white smoke can be seen, it means that the decision was made. The process is so complex to include testing, engineers and even firefighters who are constantly standing.

After the death of Pope Francis (21 April, at 88. years), attention focused on a new conclave. The voting of cardinal and burning paper leaves dates back to 15. century and serves to ensure secrecy and prevent any manipulations. Although we live in the era of modern technology, the Vatican decided to keep this traditional way of communication – smoke, writes Večernji.hr.

The chapels are already installed two furnaces, connected to one flue leading to the chimney on the roof.

Firefighters set up the end of the chimney, while the workers were mounted inside the system. The chimney must be set discreetly and completely safely – and each joint is sealed to avoid smoke leak.

The chemicals used are also pre-prepared.

A mixture of potassium-perchlorate, anthracene and sulfurities is used for black smoke.

For white smoke, potassium chlorate, lactose and pine resin is mixed. In the past, they used wet and dry straw, but it was brought to confusion because the smoke knew it was gray.

These cartridges fell electronically, and during the selection of Pope Benedict XVI, it was introduced and ringing as an additional sign that Pope was elected – with white smoke.