As 133 cardinals commence their voting for a new pope in the Sistine Chapel, onlookers in the square hope for swift news. On a tense evening, black smoke emerges, indicating they must continue their deliberations.
Anticipation Builds as Cardinals Enter Sistine Chapel for Pope Election
Anticipation Builds as Cardinals Enter Sistine Chapel for Pope Election
Thousands of faithful gather in St. Peter's Square awaiting the outcome of the conclave as smoke signals the cardinals' decision process.
Waiting for Papal Signs: An Evening in St. Peter's Square
On Wednesday, a sense of anticipation enveloped St. Peter’s Square as the 133 cardinals entered the iconic Sistine Chapel for a pivotal vote to select the next leader of the Catholic Church. Without phones, they convened in a secure environment, their eyes set on a chimney that would soon signal their choice to the eager crowds awaiting outside.
As night fell, the atmosphere grew tense. Enthusiastic members of the faith mingled with tourists, all eyes glued to the chimney. At 9 p.m., a plume of black smoke emerged, signaling that the cardinals were yet to reach a consensus. Had the smoke been white, it would have signaled the election of a new pope after the first round—a rare achievement.
The cardinals’ voting process involved painstaking secrecy, with each one penning names onto ballots and attempting to conceal their handwriting. The smell of burning came from the incineration of votes, emphasizing the weight of the moment—both for the church and for the congregation awaiting direction from their leaders.
“We stand in solidarity, though we are cold and hungry,” commented Rev. Peter Mangum from Louisiana. He, alongside others, had waited for hours in the square, reflecting a decade's awaited transition in papal leadership. As darkness descended over the Vatican, the quest for a new pope continued, marked by unyielding hope from the masses gathered to witness this pivotal moment in the church's history.
