Questions lingered as the Cardinals convened in the Sistine Chapel on a notable Thursday, embarking on the crucial process of selecting a new pope.
According to reports, a plume of black smoke emerged on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the Conclave’s initial vote for a successor to the late Pope Francis.
The 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals, representing 66 countries and often referred to as “The Prince of the Church,” spent the night at the Santa Marta guesthouse. They sought spiritual guidance through private mass before reconvening early Thursday for another round of voting.
The group comprises 52 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 17 each from South and Central America, 17 from Africa, 20 from North America, and 4 from Oceania.
If the Thursday morning vote fails to produce a clear winner, a second vote will be conducted. Should consensus remain elusive, two additional votes will be held that afternoon.
The Cardinals have been sequestered, isolated from outside influences until the election of the 267th pope, who will lead approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
These selected Cardinals are bound by centuries-old traditions, with the confidentiality of the process emphasized under the potential consequence of excommunication.
Historically, previous conclaves—like those for Benedict XVI in 2005 and Francis in 2013—have extended beyond 48 hours.
From the early 20th century onwards, each conclave has rarely exceeded five days, such as the election of Pope Pius XIII in 1922, which took 14 votes.
To maintain focus and prevent leaks, communication about the voting outcome is limited to smoke signals. Black smoke indicates no unanimous decision, whereas white smoke signifies a new pope has been elected.
If no selection occurs by Saturday afternoon, the Cardinals will engage in prayer on Sunday, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and informal discussions.
