I'm not a big fan of pomp and circumstance or empty ritual, but I really like this idea of the Conclave of Cardinals using smoke to announce that a pope has been elected:
At the end of each morning and afternoon session, the ballots from that session will be burned and chemicals added to provide color.
If a pope has been chosen -- which requires a two-thirds majority -- the smoke will be white. If not, it will be black.
It sounds dignified and subtle, yet open for all to see. Kind of, "Don't bother us until you see the white smoke. Once you see the white smoke, we're ready to talk."
Posted by Shokufeh at April 15, 2005 03:36 PMActually, they have been using either wet or dry hay to produce either dark or white smoke when burning the ballot papers. "To avoid confusion", as the official Vatican statement goes, they will add chemicals for the first time ever in this election.
Reminds me of the "improved" pregnancy tests, can't help it...
Shok, you won't believe this, but I had a dream that foretold Ratzinger as Pope the night before the election. I wish I'd posted about it before it happened. Strange, huh? And I ain't even Catholic!
Posted by: george at April 19, 2005 07:27 PMAnissa, aren't chemicals more fun that water? ;)
George, impressive. You and my neighbor should get together. He predicted what name the Pope would choose. We asked him how he knew and his response was, "Well, the last Benedict was the XV." Yeah, but how'd he know he'd choose to be Benedict?!
Posted by: shokufeh at April 19, 2005 08:22 PM