What Black and White Smoke Signals Mean During Election of New Pope They tally the votes and determine whether a two-thirds majority has been achieved, which is required to elect a new pope.

In the papal conclave to elect a new pope, here's a look at what the color of smoke (black or white) means after each vote.

Here's what to know about the tradition of black and white smoke in conjunction with the selection of a new pope. What is a papal conclave? A papal conclave is an election to choose a new pope ...