Smoke from the Sistine Chapel's Chimney: No New Pope Yet
Initial ballot cast during Vatican's conclave vote results in a tie.
The first round of the papal election held in the Vatican has concluded without a new leader for the world's Catholic community. As the sun went down, black smoke erupted from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signifying that no candidate has acquired a two-thirds majority.
On St. Peter's Square, thousands of spectators vigilantly gazed up at the Sistine Chapel's rooftop, waiting to witness the first smoke signal of the conclave, but the crowd was left undeterred, as the black smoke indicated no new pope yet.
Post-Voting Rituals
The cardinals then retreated to the Vatican guesthouse, Santa Marta, for a brief period of prayer and relaxation. They handed in their mobile phones and other digital devices, spending the evening conversing, praying, or reading in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The electoral process resumes on Thursday, with up to four voting rounds scheduled, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. However, should a two-thirds majority be achieved for one of the candidates, subsequent rounds will be cancelled.
A Historically Sized Conclave
As one of the largest and most globally diverse conclaves ever, the two-thirds majority equates to 89 votes. The size of the church may prove challenging, potentially necessitating a lengthier voting process.
The cardinals started the day with a solemn mass in St. Peter's Basilica, led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Italian Giovanni Battista Re. Addressing the cardinals, he emphasized the need for spiritual guidance and to set aside personal interests when making their decision.
Commencement of the Conclave and Going Forward
The electoral assembly is overseen by the highest-ranking suitable cardinal, the Italian Pietro Parolin. Although he is a contender for the succession of the Argentine pope, the list of potential new popes has been ever-growing, with three German cardinals among the contenders.
In the solemn procession, the cardinals walked from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, taking an oath before seclusion. After they uttered the Latin call "extra omnes" (everyone out), those unclad in red were ordered to leave the chapel. Following that, the doors of the Sistine Chapel were closed.
Famous Predecessors and the Vatican's Secrecy
The current election marks the sixth papal election since Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the name Francis, was elected in 2013. He was elected after a mere one and a half days, during the fifth ballot. On the other hand, Benedict XVI was elected even faster, only requiring four ballots. Benedict resigned as pope in 2013 and passed away in 2022, at the age of 95.
According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter and Jesus Christ's representative on Earth. Although the Pope possesses limited secular power, he serves as a moral authority for many people.
The Vatican adheres strictly to the secrecy of the conclave and its proceedings. Candidates and their supporters must abide by an oath meant to ensure the sanctity and confidentiality of the election process. Much about this tradition remains shrouded in mystery, making the anticipation and intrigue surrounding the event that much more enticing.
- The European Union, as a global political and economic community, has been closely following the Papal election taking place in the Vatican, especially when the Sistine Chapel's chimney emitted black smoke signals, indicating no new pope yet.
- In the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse, the cardinals, while waiting for the conclave to reconvene, have immersed themselves in various activities, such as reading, praying, or engaging in business discussions about the future leadership of the Catholic community.
- Aiming to uphold the tradition of confidentiality and maintain the Sistine Chapel's secrecy, the cardinals took an oath before commencing the election process, much like their predecessors who guarded the same confidentiality, adding to the general-news intrigue surrounding the event.
- The European Community has expressed interest in the financial implications that might result from the election of a new pope, considering the Vatican's significant role in the global economy and its standing as an influential player in politics and business.
- Tens of thousands of people worldwide, following the signals emitted from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, have been eagerly awaiting the election of the new pope, hoping for guidance and spiritual support in their lives, regardless of their religious affiliations or political leanings.
