Preparations For Conclave On Cardinals In The Vatican -- The Stove in which the Ballot papers are burned. When a Ballot has not given the necessary Two-Thirds Majority a little damp straw is mexed with the burning papers, and black smoke issues from the chinney of the Sistine Chapel. If a Pope is elected, dry straw is mixed with the papers and a white smoke emerges from the Chimeney. Thus the crowds waiting in St. Peter's square Learn that a new Pontiff has been elected. Preparations are now being made in the Vatican for the Conclave for the election of a new Pope. February 17, 1939. (Photo by Keystone).