What happens if..

If the pope dies? How do they choose a new one?

Serious answers please. Also, is it true they put out black smoke from the vatican untill they choose a new one and then the smoke is white when they finnally do?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

I believe they ring a big bell when he has died and then put out white smoke from somewhere in the Vatican after a new one is chosen. The new Pope isn't picked until after a week though and I'm not sure who the possible candidates are. Maybe cardinals but I'm not sure. I got the first part from the movie Eurotrip (I think it's right.)

[This message has been edited by SilentOp47 (edited 04-02-2005).]

[Xerxes35]

There are nine days of mourning. And then 15 days after his death the cardnials gather for the conclave.