The ballots and voting notes are burned in a stove placed in the Sistine Chapel . Chemicals are added to cause the smoke to signify whether the ballot has been successful . Nicholas Schofield said that in the event of an inconclusive ballot , wet straw had traditionally been added to the fire to make the smoke black . White smoke means a pope has been elected , black means the ballot was inconclusive . John Paul II ordered that the bells of St. Peter 's should also be rung if a pope was elected .
The ballots and voting notes are burned in a stove placed in the Sistine Chapel . Chemicals are added to cause the smoke to signify whether the ballot has been successful . White smoke means a pope has been elected , black means the ballot was inconclusive . John Paul II ordered that the bells of St. Peter 's should also be rung if a pope was elected .