Black Smoke Emerges from Vatican Chimney, Indicating No Decision
A thick plume of black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals inside have once again failed to elect a new pope. The event took place amidst cheers and disappointment from the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
The Crowd Reacts
Marcela Tapia, a 46-year-old Mexican in the square, expressed excitement about the process while hoping for a resolution. “This is very exciting,” she said, “I hope the cardinals can reach an agreement in today’s or tomorrow’s voting rounds.”
Uncertain Conclave
The recent conclaves in 2005 and 2013, which elected Benedict XVI and the first Latin American pope, respectively, concluded within two days with four and five rounds of voting. However, this conclave seems more complex.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an Argentine who became Pope Francis in 2013, brought about significant changes within the Church. His reformist papacy created strong divisions among cardinals, with approximately 80% of electors supporting his vision for a more open Church, while conservatives seek common ground.
Voting Process and Majority
Until the selection of Francis’ successor, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, cardinals will hold two morning and two afternoon voting sessions. The majority, currently at 89 votes (two-thirds of the total), is approaching the required threshold.
“A Unique Occurrence”
Approximately 50,000 people witnessed the first black smoke on Wednesday night from St. Peter’s Square and its surroundings, with thousands returning on Thursday for the second smoke.
Personal Stories from the Crowd
Paul O’Flynn, a 72-year-old Irishman, described the event as “unique in life,” possibly never to be experienced again. Meanwhile, Paolo Cabrera, a 40-year-old Filipino, plans to spend the entire day in the square, eagerly awaiting the white smoke indicating a new pope’s election.
Elizabeth Ramos traveled from Brazil specifically to witness the election, hoping for a pope similar to Francis. “He united young people and conveyed his faith humbly,” she said.
“Cardinal Intrigues”
The secretive nature of this centuries-old ritual, conducted behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel, fuels speculation about “cardinal intrigues.” These negotiations occur during meals or meetings in the Santa Marta residence and other Vatican facilities.
Though Italian Pietro Parolin was initially favored, the media now highlights other potential candidates like Filipino Pablo Virgilio David (who would be the first Asian pope), Spanish cardinals Cristóbal López Romero and Ángel Fernández Artime.
Cardinal Decan Re’s Appeal for Unity
On Wednesday, Cardinal Decan Giovanni Battista Re urged cardinals to “maintain the unity of the Church” during these challenging times.
As a symbol of the solemnity and complexity of the election, cardinals write their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot, fold it, and place it on a silver plate before Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” fresco.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does the black smoke signify? The black smoke indicates that no new pope has been elected.
- How many cardinals are participating in the conclave? There are 133 cardinals involved in electing the new pope.
- What is the voting process like? Cardinals write their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot, fold it, and place it on a silver plate. Two rounds of voting are held in the morning and afternoon.
- What are the potential outcomes of the voting? If there is no consensus, the ballots are burned, producing either black or white smoke depending on whether a decision has been reached.
- Who are some of the leading candidates? Among the potential candidates are Italian Pietro Parolin, Filipino Pablo Virgilio David, and Spanish cardinals Cristóbal López Romero and Ángel Fernández Artime.
