Smoke Signals

White smoke tells of happy news: A new pope is chosen April 19, 2005.

Bell chimes to proclaim that there is a new pope.

Black smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, behind the statue of St. Peter's, during the second day of the Vatican conclave, April 19, 2005. Black smoke indicates that cardinals sequestered inside the Sistine chapel had not yet chosen a new pope.

Black smoke billows from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

Black smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, behind the icon of the Virgin Mary and Child, during the second day of the Vatican conclave, April 19, 2005. The Latin words "Totus Tuus" on the icon mean "All Yours," whereas the sign "Mater Ecclesiae" under it means "Mother of the Church."

Nuns look up as they wait for smoke to billow from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

The nuns pray as they wait.

A seagull flies over the chimney of the Sistine Chapel April 19, 2005.

A U.S. and Vatican flags are being waved in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

People gather in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

Girls hold up a French flag as they watch black smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the second day of the Vatican conclave, April 19, 2005.

Faithful wave a German flag as they watch black smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the second day of the Vatican conclave, April 19, 2005, as others hold an Irish flag in the background.

Pilgrims look up at the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling whether the new pope has been elected or not, at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

Faithful stand in front of a giant screen as they wait for smoke to billow from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.

Nuns watch black smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the second day of the Vatican conclave, April 19, 2005.