Black smoke blows out of Sistine Chapel as voting for new pope enters day 2
The Vatican conclave was in a second day, with a two-thirds majority of the 133 cardinals required to select a new leader for 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
Just like on Wednesday, black smoke was seen blowing out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday before noon, signaling that the assembled cardinals had still not reached a decision on a new pope on a second day of voting.
The first inconclusive ballot the previous evening lasted well over three hours from the time the papal master of ceremonies gave the order “extra omnes,” Latin for “everybody out.” And the world was again waiting.
Observers and Vatican insiders speculated on what had caused such an extraordinarily long first evening session with a stemwinder of a meditation from the former preacher of the papal household and a lack of Italian language skills among new cardinals slowing things down.
Read also: Doors closed as cardinals gather to elect new pope (Video)
The cardinals, still bound by oaths of secrecy and stripped of phones and internet access, reconvened.
On Thursday, crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square as the 133 cardinals voted in total secrecy. The black smoke signaled that no candidate had captured two-thirds of the cardinal electorate during voting in the morning. The cardinals were expected to resume deliberations after lunch.
Pope Francis’ death in April set in motion the process of choosing his successor, the first conclave in more than a decade. The papal election is one of the world’s oldest dramas, but this one is unlike any other. It is the largest ever assembled, and many cardinals appointed by Francis are meeting one another for the first time.
The new faces bring unfamiliar politics, priorities and concerns that some experts say could make the selection process more fragmented than usual.
Francis also left the church deeply divided, with progressive factions pushing for more inclusion and change, and conservatives seeking to roll things back, often under the guise of preserving unity.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
