Bells to Signal Election of New Pope

Unlettered race, how few the number tells,
Their only pride a cariole and bells,
Perchance they revel; still around they creep,
And talk, and smoke, and spit, and drink, and sleep! - Standish O'Grady

VATICAN CITY - The ringing of bells will accompany the traditional signal of white smoke to announce to the world that a new pope has been elected, a top Vatican official said Tuesday.

Archbishop Piero Marini, master of ceremonies for liturgical celebrations, said the bells were being added to avoid confusion over the color of the smoke coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.