Smoke Signals: How is a New Pope Elected?

Ben Brumfield of CNN explains the specifics of the papal election process. While traditionally the cardinals must wait until at least 15 days after the papacy becomes vacant to elect a new pope, Benedict amended the rules to put someone in office more rapidly. Once a winner is chosen, the ballots are placed in the fireplace without added chemicals to create white smoke, “telling the world that the conclave has agreed on a new pontiff.”

Read at CNN

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