Odds-makers likely had an easier time 20 years ago, when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stepped onto the balcony overlooking St.

White smoke was seen emanating from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a two-thirds vote has been reached to elect the new pope.

(The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.) What is the science behind the smoke signals on the Sistine Chapel to announce if a new pope has been elected? Dr. Olivia Castellini ...

May 08, 2025, 11:42 AM GMT The science behind Sistine Chapel smoke signals What is the science behind the smoke signals on the Sistine Chapel to announce if a new pope has been elected?