1958 white smoke papal election controversy. On October 26, 1958, white smoke at 6 PM signaled new pope but no one appeared on balcony Smoke then turned black, contradicting tradition Theory claims Cardinal Joseph Siri was elected as Gregory XVII but forced to step down

On October 26, 1958, white smoke appeared at 6 PM signaling a new pope, but no one emerged on the balcony. The smoke then turned black, contradicting all tradition. Some believe Cardinal Joseph Siri was actually elected as Gregory XVII but forced to step down—possibly threatened with nuclear annihilation. American Cardinal Francis Spelman reportedly emerged from conclave 'ashen-faced.' Declassified US State Department memos about Siri remain heavily redacted. The Vatican later upgraded smoke signaling using chemically consistent cartridges from a fireworks factory.

Key Facts

  • On October 26, 1958, white smoke at 6 PM signaled new pope but no one appeared on balcony
  • Smoke then turned black, contradicting tradition
  • Theory claims Cardinal Joseph Siri was elected as Gregory XVII but forced to step down
  • Siri reportedly threatened with nuclear annihilation if he accepted
  • American Cardinal Francis Spelman emerged from conclave 'ashen-faced'
  • Vatican later upgraded smoke system with chemically consistent cartridges from fireworks factory outside Rome
  • Declassified US State Department memos about Siri remain heavily redacted

Source: 5 Ancient Vatican Mysteries They Tried to Bury by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries