The former archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, talks about how the film depicts "political backroom plotting."

Black smoke – fumata nera in Italian – indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke – fumata bianca – will signify that a new pope has been elected. If three days pass with no pope elected, voting can be suspended for a day to allow the cardinals time for reflection before the next round of ballots are cast.