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what is the significance/reason of the black smoke and the white smoke?

howisthepope:

strawberry-nebulas:

howisthepope:

non-suspiciousname:

immigrant:

howisthepope:

The cardinals are locked up until a new pope is elected, so the smoke has been used to announce news after every round of votes.

Previously, only black smoke was used to announce there was no pope yet and a successful election was not announced with white smoke. Originally the wax that the cardinals used to seal their vote is what caused the colour. Damp straw was added to change the colour.

There has been confusion about the colour of the smoke as it escaped in 1939 and 1958, leading to theories of reversed elections or other interferences.

Chemicals have been added since 1963 to ensure a clear black or white smoke.

Why are they locked up?
They have been doing this since the 13th centry because they worried about political interference in the election. The cardinals are locked up with the key ‘cum clave’ which where the word conclave originated.

The latest possible date for the conclave this time is 10 May 2025.
All conclaves in the last century have lasted less than 4 days.

pagan ass religion

can they leave the cum cave to pee

Yes, they are only allowed outside if they become ill or need to use the restroom and will be readmitted but cardinals who leave for any other reason are not allowed back in. Cardinals arriving late are also allowed to go in

So yes, tumblr user non-suspiciousname, they can leave the ‘cum cave to pee’ [sic]

do they have food and water in there or is fasting like a part of it?

They have food, in some conclaves they used to be allowed to take 2 assistants per cardinal but these days that’s not used anymore.

In some past conclaves they did reduce the food because they were taking too long (one they took off the roof to make them hurry up lmao)

A nurse can accompany cardinals of ill-health and by default 2 doctors.

Other than that the only people allowed are: