The election of the next pope started Wednesday as cardinals from across the globe convene for a conclave, where they will vote on the next leader of the Catholic church in a highly ritualized process. Because the deliberations and votes are secret, the cardinals who enter the Sistine Chapel use smoke signals to communicate with the outside world. If black smoke appears, that means a new pope has not yet been chosen. But if white smoke is seen over the Vatican, then the Cardinals have selected a new pope to lead the church. https://www.9news.com/article/news/nation-world/pope-election-what-time-to-look-for-smoke-during-conclave-eastern-time-central-mountain-pacific/507-1a7cd62f-a763-4b97-8747-463307a42292 More local videos here: https://youtube.com/@9news Subscribe to NEXT: https://youtube.com/@Nexton9NEWS Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: http://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.