White smoke
The “white smoke” is one of the most iconic and anticipated events in the context of the election of a new pope in the Catholic Church. This symbol indicates that a new pontiff has been chosen by the cardinals gathered in conclave and that the Church has a new spiritual leader. Throughout history, there have been some particularly long-awaited and memorable white smokes, as well as the first white smoke broadcast live on television.
Symbol of Papal Election
White smoke is the result of an ancient tradition dating back centuries. During conclave, cardinals gather to secretly vote for the new pope. Each time a vote is taken, voting tickets are burned together with special chemicals that produce the color of smoke. Black smoke indicates that no candidate received the necessary number of votes to be elected, while white smoke announces that a new pope has been successfully chosen.
The Most Anticipated and Longest: Pope Pius XII
One of the best-known cases of a particularly long-awaited and lengthy white smoke occurred during the election of Pope Pius XII in 1939. The conclave for the election of Pope Pius XI’s successor began on March 1, 1939. The long duration of the conclave was due in part to divisions within the College of Cardinals and the complex political dynamics of the time, particularly the climate of international tension before the onset of World War II.
After numerous fruitless votes, the white smoke was finally seen over the Sistine Chapel on March 2, 1939, ten days after the conclave began. This long wait had kept the whole world in suspense, and the announcement of Pope Pius XII’s election was greeted with great interest and relief.
Live TV Premiere: Pope John Paul I
The first white smoke broadcast live on television occurred during the election of Pope John Paul I in 1978. This was a historic moment, as it marked a significant step toward the modernization of communications in the Catholic Church. During this conclave, cameras were allowed to film the Sistine Chapel as smoke rose from the Sistine chimney.
It was seen around the world, followed by an immediate announcement about the election of Pope John Paul I. This event was a significant occasion of media and symbolic significance, as it opened the way for greater transparency and sharing of events within the Church with the outside world.
Since then, the practice of televising the white smoke live has become the norm during successive papal conclaves, including those that led to the election of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
In conclusion
The “white smoke” is an iconic symbol of the election of a new pope in the Catholic Church, announcing that a new spiritual leader has been chosen. Throughout history, there have been some particularly long-awaited and memorable white smoke, including that of the election of Pope Pius XII in 1939 and the first white smoke broadcast live on television during the election of Pope John Paul I in 1978. These events have helped capture the world’s attention and make the papal election process more transparent and globally accessible.
