We can't get into the Sistine Chapel, but we'll know whether there's a new pope simply by watching the smoke that comes from the Vatican's rooftop. Ballots are burned after the votes, once in the ...

If the smoke is black, the cardinals have failed to reach a decision. White smoke signifies a new pope has been chosen. The small group of cardinals who form the conclave which selects the next ...

and then burned with a chemical to send either black smoke, meaning a stalemate, or white, signifying "habemus papam" − "we ...

The famous white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, bells rang, the crowds cheered and a cardinal announced from St Peter’s balcony: “Habemus papam” – We have a Pope. In 2005 ...