Our father

Even though the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, interest in him goes far beyond the people who are followers of that faith. When Pope John Paul II died in April 2005, the entire world watched and waited for his successor to be named. There is always an air of mystery and intrigue to the process, which includes smoke being sent up the chapel chimney in the Sistine Chapel after each round of balloting. Black smoke indicates an undecided vote, and white smoke means a new Pope has been elected. While religion is a very personal choice, everyone loves a good mystery, which explains why the interest in a new Pope always transcends the Catholic faith.

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