Choosing the next pope: How the Vatican makes its smoke signal

Experts say the process requires "two custom fireworks", smoke test rehearsals and Vatican firefighters on standby.
Watch LiveBritish Broadcasting CorporationHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsArtsArts in MotionTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingAudioPodcastsRadioAudio FAQsVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveWeatherNewslettersWatch LiveCustom fireworks and standby firefighters: How the Vatican makes its smoke signal12 hours agoShareSaveLucy Clarke-BillingsBBC NewsShareSaveEPAFirefighters installed the chimney on 2 May When the Catholic Church elects a new pope, the world watches not for a press conference or social media post, but for rising smoke from a small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
If the smoke is black, no new pope has been chosen. If it is white, a decision has been made: Habemus Papam - we have a pope. It's high drama, broadcast live to millions.
But what viewers don't see is the centuries-old ritual's hidden complexity: the carefully built chimney, the engineered stove and the precise chemical recipes, each part painstakingly designed to ensure that a wisp of smoke carries a clear message.
Experts told the BBC that the process requires "two custom fireworks", smoke test rehearsals and Vatican firefighters on standby. It is meticulously organised by a team of engineers and Church officials working in unison.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88 and with the funeral now over, attention has turned to the conclave - a private meeting through which a new pope will be chosen.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp31gnn93kvo
Rating: 5