The white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is the signal that tells the faithful and the world that a new Bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter, has been elected.

But what happens beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes in the lead-up to those moments? And what occurs before the name of the new Pope is proclaimed from the Loggia of Blessings by the French Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti?

Conclusion of the Conclave

The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis states that the conclave ends once the new Pope accepts his election, “unless he decides otherwise.”

At that point, the Substitute for the Secretariat of State, the Secretary for Relations with States, and others who need to discuss immediate matters with the new Pope may enter the Sistine Chapel.

The white smoke and the “Room of Tears”

After the rite of acceptance is completed, all the ballots and other election-related documents are burned, and the resulting white smoke signals to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.

While the faithful in St. Peter’s Square applaud and the world awaits the name of the new Pope, the newly elected Pontiff exits the Sistine Chapel and enters the “Room of Tears.”

There, with the help of the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, he removes the cardinal’s vestment, puts on one of the three prepared papal garments, and spends a few minutes in prayer.”