The Cardinals convened at the Sistine Chapel on Thursday for the second round of voting to select the new Pope, but the initial vote resulted in black smoke from the chapel chimney, indicating they hadn’t reached a decision yet.
Among the 133 voting cardinals, some expressed a desire for a quick conclave to usher in a successor for Pope Francis.
To become the 267th Pope, a candidate needs to secure two-thirds of the votes—specifically, 89 votes.
Historically, conclaves in the last century have required between three to fourteen votes to elect a Pope.
John Paul I, who served a mere 33 days in 1978, was chosen during the fourth vote. His successor, John Paul II, was elected after eight votes, while Francis was selected on the fifth ballot in 2013.
On Wednesday afternoon, Cardinals engaged in a secretive, time-honored ritual before heading to their votes, experiencing a sense of drama that even Hollywood would struggle to depict.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, aged 70, who served as Secretary of State under Francis and is considered a leading candidate, presided over this process as a senior cardinal under 80 who could participate.
Before Michelangelo’s breathtaking artwork depicting the final judgment, Parolin took a solemn vow in front of the other Cardinals.
Each cardinal subsequently placed their hands on the Gospel, pledging in Latin to uphold maximum secrecy during the proceedings.
The atmosphere was steeped in tradition, characterized by red coverings, Latin hymns, the scent of incense, and proper ceremonial washes that underscored the gravity of the occasion.
Outside, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, captivated by the spectacle, watching the minutes tick by on a large screen.
They waited hours, their eyes fixed on the thin chimneys and, at times, the occasional seagulls flying by.
Some attendees expressed frustration as the voting extended into dinner time, while others celebrated when the smoke finally billowed out.
“I hope the Cardinals can bring about peace and reunite the Church,” said Gabriel Capley, a 27-year-old from London.
The Cardinals were isolated from the outside world on Wednesday, surrendering their phones and experiencing radio silence around the Vatican until a new Pope is selected.
Pope Francis nominated 108 of the 133 cardinal electors, selecting many clergy from distant places like Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga.
This decision to exceed the traditional limit of 120 electors has not only lengthened the voting process but also added another layer of unpredictability to an already mysterious and suspenseful event.
