Colored Smoke Indicates Whether a Decision Has Been Made
During a conclave, Catholics around the globe keep their eyes on a tiny chimney peeking from the roof of the Sistine Chapel. This chimney is the only way that Cardinals can communicate with the outside world.
On each day of the conclave, Cardinals participate in four rounds of voting. After every round, the ballots are burned in a special stove near the chapel. If the vote has been unsuccessful, meaning that a new pope wasn’t selected, the Cardinals add in chemicals to turn the smoke black. But once the conclave has agreed on a candidate, a different chemical is burned that results in white smoke – signaling to the waiting world that they’ve elected a new Bishop of Rome.
The Papacy Has a Preferred Airline
Paul VI became the first pope to fly in 1964, when he traveled to the Holy Land. Since then, popes have been frequent travelers. When the pope flies out of Italy it is always on the Italian airline Alitalia. The return trip is usually made with a carrier based in the visited country.
To date, Pope John Paul II racked up the most air miles (725,000) during his travels to nearly two-thirds of the globe’s countries. But Pope Francis is quickly catching up, having already been to five continents since he assumed the position in 2013.
More about papal air travel coming up — find out what kind of perks the pope gets while flying!
Vatican City Is The Smallest Country In The World
Vatican City, the home of the pope and of the Roman Catholic Church, is actually an independent city-state within Rome, Italy. At only 110 acres, it’s far smaller than Central Park in New York City. In fact, it’s the smallest country in the world, in terms of both population and size.
The city-state, officially founded in 1929, is governed as a monarchy and ruled by the pope. It’s home to cultural sites such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
There’s a Dress Code To Meet The Pope
While the church does not currently impose a mandatory dress code, there is a recommended protocol that anyone meeting with the pope should follow. Women are to wear a long black lace dress with long sleeves and a high collar, topped with a black veil. Shoes should be closed-toe, and jewelry should be low-key. Jackie Kennedy is pictured above in a black dress as she arrived to meet with Pope Paul VI in 1966.
In the past, men were expected to wear a coat with tails. But in modern times, any dark suit with a conservative tie is considered acceptable. Visitors can also choose to wear the traditional dress from their homelands.
Only 7 women in the world can wear white to officially meet with the Pope. Find out who they are next.
Seven Women In The World Are Allowed To Wear White When Meeting With The Pope
Le privilège du blanc, meaning “the privilege of white,” allows certain royal women to wear white rather than the traditional black when meeting with the pope. To qualify, the reigning woman must be a Catholic in good public standing or be married to another Catholic monarch. The pope may also grant the right at his discretion. White may only be worn to certain types of events.
There are seven living women with the privilege: Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola of the Belgians, The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Charlene The Princess of Monaco, The Princess of Naples, The Queen of Spain, and The Queen of the Belgians. Pictured above is Princess Charlene of Monaco, meeting with Pope Francis in 2016.
