Smoke of a dark hue emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on its initial day, signifying no decision was made concerning the selection of a new pontiff.
let's dive into the historical, mystical world of the Vatican! On Wednesday, the 7th of May, 133 cardinal electors marched solemnly into the hallowed Sistine Chapel, kicking off the conclave to usher in the 267th Pope.
Hidden away in this legendary chapel, the cardinals embark on the task of choosing the next spiritual leader, needing a two-thirds majority, which equals 89 votes, to seal the deal. The election process commences with a vote every evening, with voting sessions taking place four times a day on the following days—twice in the morning, and twice in the evening.
When the voting doesn't lead to a clear winner, the Chapel fills with black smoke, signaling an inconclusive vote. However, white smoke, accompanied by the joyous ringing of bells, will announce the arrival of the new Pope.
Interestingly, not a single Pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave in the books.
Now, here's a tidbit from the history books: In case the total number of electors isn't a multiple of three, an additional vote might be required to hit the two-thirds majority mark[4][5]. Typically, if the voting starts in the afternoon on the first day, only one vote might take place. The subsequent days will see two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon, unless no candidate is elected after three days, in which case voting is temporarily halted, allowing for contemplation and deliberation among the cardinals[5].
So, let's wait and watch as the smoke either clears the way for a new Pope or continues to shroud the Chapel, holding onto the secrets of the Vatican.
On Wednesday, the 7th of May, general news and politics history was made as 133 electors initiated the process of electing a new Pope in the Sistine Chapel. To secure the position, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority, which translates to 89 votes. If the voting doesn't result in a clear winner, the chapel will fill with black smoke, indicating an inconclusive vote. Intriguingly, no Pope has ever been elected on the first day of a conclave. Moreover, if the total number of electors isn't a multiple of three, an additional vote might be necessary to reach the two-thirds majority.
