Conclave: The Roman Catholic Church Awaits the New Pope – Cardinals Meet Again

The first vote to elect the new Pope, which began yesterday evening at the Vatican, proved unfruitful as the characteristic red smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel never turned white. Around 50,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square hoping to celebrate the election were disappointed by the sight of black smoke, though it was expected that no result would come on the first day. Today, according to protocol, four new votes are scheduled—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The first vote will take place at 10:30 AM, followed by another at noon. In the evening, the 133 cardinals will vote again at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Should black smoke emerge again, the process will continue until at least 89 cardinals agree on the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Analysts suggest the likelihood of electing a new Holy Father may increase today, with modern conclaves typically lasting just a few days. The conclave of 2013 lasted only two days, as did the 2005 conclave when Benedict XVI was elected. Behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, history repeats itself. At around 7:00 PM local time, the famous Latin phrase ‘extra omnes’ (‘everyone out’) was proclaimed, sealing the doors. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa delivered a meditation, inviting cardinals into prayer. After oaths were sworn, the voting commenced, with all notes burned alongside ballots to ensure secrecy. Favorites for the papacy include Pietro Parolin, an Italian cardinal and Vatican Secretary of State, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who could become the first Asian Pope, and Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna. Once elected, the new Pope must accept his canonical election, choose a papal name, and be led to the ‘Room of Tears’ where he is dressed in white vestments. Shortly after, the world hears the historic announcement ‘Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam,’ followed by the new Pope blessing the crowd from a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.