GChevalier

WHITE SMOKE 1958 –59 – SMOKE

Significant fact:

- during the election of Pius XII, the white smoke lasted two minutes;

- during the election of his successor on 26 October 1958, it lasted more than five minutes.

Note:

It is important to note that, for black or white smoke to be considered valid, it must be continuous: thus, two minutes for Pius XII and more than five minutes for his successor on 26 October 1958. A brief appearance of white smoke before a continuous stream of black smoke means nothing; similarly, a brief appearance of black smoke at the end of a continuous stream of white smoke means nothing either. I repeat: it is the continuity of the smoke’s colour that indicates whether or not a Pope has been elected.

It is worth noting, for the record, that in the year 2025, 26 October falls on the same day (a Sunday) and on the same Feast of Christ the King as 26 October 1958, which was the 33rd celebration of this solemnity since its institution in December 1925.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

(Source: first comment)

1276

Up until ten years ago, I had not known this. It is frightening to see how the papal elections were manipulated. I do believe that things would have been much better if Gregory had been crowned pope.