Throughout the centuries of Christianity, smoke has held a central role in the life of the Church. Witnessing the incense rising during a solemn Mass, one can see how it carries the prayers of the faithful towards heaven, like a gentle whisper reaching the divine. This ethereal and mysterious smoke symbolizes the intangible, the spiritual; something that cannot be touched, but can be felt. It is a silent language that conveys the profound without the need for words.
Among all the manifestations of smoke in Catholic tradition, none is as recognizable and eagerly anticipated as the fumata of the conclave. This simple yet powerful signal has the ability to momentarily pause the world’s pulse. Without uttering a single word, it sends a message that transcends borders: there is either a Pope or there isn’t.
Interestingly, this brief symbol has endured over time and has become one of the most iconic moments of the Catholic Church. During each papal election, St. Peter’s Square is filled with thousands of people: pilgrims, tourists, journalists… all fixated on a small chimney. And when the smoke begins to rise, hearts pause for a moment. Whether you are present in person or watching from afar, that slender column of smoke achieves the remarkable feat of uniting millions in a shared emotion.
The Smoke as a Universal Language
There are few symbols on Earth as universal as the slender column of smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. When the smoke starts to rise, millions of people in every corner of the globe look up or gaze at their screens to determine whether it is black or white. The fascinating detail is that in a world filled with nuances and interpretations, the language of smoke is as straightforward and impactful as a “yes” or a “no.” It allows no room for debate or ambiguity. It’s either black or white. Period.
Perhaps the power of the smoke lies in its simplicity. It does not require words, speeches, or announcements. It is the only language that, without uttering a word, can communicate a profound change in the Church. And it does so in an almost artisanal manner, in the 21st century where digital and instantaneous things dominate our lives. This brings us to the next point…
What Lies Behind the Fumata?
The magic of the fumata is not as impromptu as it may seem. Since the 1914 conclave, specific chemicals have been employed to ensure the clarity of the color. Gone are the days of “gray smoke” that left uncertainty in the square. Today, the Vatican guarantees a clear message: there is either a Pope or there isn’t. Technology has not replaced tradition; smoke still ascends from the burned ballots, combined with the Vatican’s chemical secrets. It is perhaps the only instance where a combustion mishap can make global headlines.
The system is supported by a bell and an announcement on the central balcony. However, the smoke remains the primary protagonist. Its universal and direct language captivates the entire planet during those moments when it rises.
A Moment of Global Silence
When smoke starts to ascend from the chimney, the world halts. It is an almost magical moment: millions of individuals, irrespective of language or culture, focus their attention on the same spot, waiting for an answer that will alter the course of the Church. It’s as though the entire planet collectively holds its breath, anticipating the silent declaration of a wisp of smoke. In an era where information is consumed rapidly and forgotten swiftly, the fumata accomplishes the improbable: captivating global attention with a simple gesture.
Moreover, it is one of the rare instances when the media becomes truly global. Regardless of the channel or language, all eyes are fixed on that small chimney, while cameras strive to capture the moment from the best angle. Even social media, for a few minutes, set aside their differences to share the image of the rising smoke.
The White Smoke: Symbol of Unity and Hope
And then it happens: the white smoke. At that instant, bells ring, people applaud and embrace, even strangers. It symbolizes unity, reminding us that there are still gestures that can unite millions in a shared emotion. Ultimately, the white smoke is more than an announcement; it is a message of hope for a world that, despite its divisions, can still unite to seek a sign in the sky.
That simple and humble column of white smoke reminds the world that there are still moments capable of bringing us together. Amidst the chaos of information, political divides, and cultural disparities, the smoke from the Sistine Chapel continues to evoke collective applause.
What does this conclave have in store for us? Within a few days or hours, the answer will arrive, not in a press release, but in the humble and powerful language of smoke, a language that requires no interpreters because its greatness lies in its simplicity.
