During the press conference, Father Thomas Rosica, CSB explained to journalists that the smoke which is used to signal the result of each vote is created through the burning of ballots, but also through the introduction of a cartridge which contains within it five lots of chemicals which are mixed specifically to create black or white smoke. The five catridges are designed to release their smoke over a 7-minute period.
The ballots are burned in one of the two stoves (the older of the two, which has been in use since 1939) within the Sistine Chapel, and the smoke pellets are inserted in the second stove which is electronic and which was introduced during the Conclave of 2005.
For the black smoke, the chemical mixture contains potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulphur. The white smoke is created by the mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose and a pine resin known as Greek pitch. While the two stoves stand side by side, they are joined to one pipe that leads to the chimney.
Who knew that besides studies in theology, a degree in chemistry might actually be useful to understand the workings of the Church
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