May 7, 2025
When did the conclave start using black smoke and white smoke? And how did they announce the new em Pope before smoke was used?
They started using the black smoke in the early 1800s where it was just smoke with an unsuccessful election and none if successful.
The white and black smoke is used since 1914. There has been confusion about the colour though but these days they have chemicals to ensure the right colours are shown (unless someone makes a human mistake)
Before that they'd just appear on the balcony, the way they still do now after the pope is elected (usually an hour or so later)
