Black Smoke, White Smoke: How the Vatican Signals Decisions on a New Pope
Black Smoke, White Smoke: How the Vatican Signals Decisions on a New Pope
In a tradition that scholars date to the 19th century, smoke released from a chimney will be colored white if the cardinals have made a decision, or black if they remain deadlocked.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate. The central claim about the smoke signals is well-supported by multiple sources. The dating of the tradition to the 19th century is mentioned but not explicitly verified by all sources, representing a minor unverified claim.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "In a tradition that scholars date to the 19th century, smoke released from a chimney will be colored white if the cardinals have made a decision, or black if they remain deadlocked."
- Verification Source #2: Supports the claim that white smoke signals a new leader and black smoke means no decision.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the claim that black smoke means no new pope and white smoke means a decision has been made.
- Verification Source #4: Supports the claim that white smoke signals a new pope.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the claim that black and white smoke signal the election of a new pope.
- The dating of the tradition to the 19th century is mentioned but not explicitly verified by the other sources.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement: All sources agree that white smoke indicates the election of a new Pope, and black smoke indicates a deadlock. (Verification Source #2, Verification Source #3, Verification Source #4, Verification Source #5)
- Lack of Coverage: The specific dating of the tradition to the 19th century is not explicitly covered by Verification Source #2, Verification Source #3, Verification Source #4, or Verification Source #5.