What is the science behind the smoke signals on the Sistine Chapel to announce if a new pope has been elected?

The Catholic Church got a new pope, Pope Leo XIV - who was elected by the cardinals of the church, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, returned to the ...

Students at The Catholic University of America react to the announcement of the first American pope, Leo XIV, formerly ...

The inauguration Mass on May 18 will be the formal installation ceremony where Pope Leo XIV will receive the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium as symbols of his papal office. The “taking possession” ...

Good morning, Chicago. The announcement made after white smoke poured from the poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel yesterday marked a historic one nationally and a personal one for many in ...

Rev. Richard Wilson at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Aiken said he’s excited about Robert Prevost gaining the support from other cardinals to become pope.

Peace be with you,' Pope Leo XIV said in greeting the thousands of people who packed St. Peter's Square, a plaza brimming ...

In the afternoon, smoke may appear around 1 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Vatican time if no decision is made. If a pope is elected on the first afternoon ballot, look for white smoke shortly after 11:30 a.m., ...

When that happens, white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel's chimney. If the two-thirds majority is not reached, black smoke is emitted instead, signaling that the conclave will resume with further ...

What will Pope Leo XIV do? Will he continue the policies of Pope Francis or take the Catholic church in another direction?

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first-ever American elected as the leader of the Catholic Church -- now known ...