Papal Smoke Signal Code
During the Catholic conclave held to select a new pope, colored smoke issued from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is used to indicate progress to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The colors:
| White smoke | New pope is elected |
| Black smoke | No pope yet chosen |
| Gray smoke | Recount |
| Brown smoke | Extended haggling and/or pouting |
| Beige smoke | Power play by Italian faction |
| Dark brown smoke | Fistfight |
| Blue smoke | Break for Serie A football match on TV |
| Pink smoke | Rogue cardinal discovered to be a woman |
