Smoke Rises from the Sistine Chapel: The 2023 Papal Conclave Begins
The entrance has remained shut since 5:46 in the evening.
With the closed door of the Sistine Chapel signaling the commencement of the conclave, the world follows the smoke signals from Rome. The 133 eligible cardinals are holed up in the chapel, vying to elect the successor of the late Pope Francis. Smoke from the new chimney may indicate the new leader of the Catholic Church if white rises.
The conclave, nearly a decade in the making, demands our attention. The chapel's door was sealed at 17:46, sending the world into a state of anticipation. The cardinals are now strictly isolated, away from the public's prying eyes.
We won't know the outcome right away; the new pope might take a few days as black smoke signals no decision yet. White smoke, however, signals a new leader. The process can extend from hours to weeks.
The Intricacies of the Papal Election
The first ballot is set to begin late afternoon, and the world expects the smoke to be black for the first few signals. Chemicals are mixed with the burning ballot papers to ensure the color is clear. But, it's not uncommon for the smoke to be a light gray.
The cardinals will take time to dine and engage in conversations, prayers, or reading during their isolation from the outside world. They must surrender their mobile phones and digital devices to adhere to the strict rules.
Post-Vote Whispers: Some Popes Talk Later
Four ballots may take place a day (two in the morning, two in the afternoon) until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The Conclave - a locked assembly - takes place in the Sistine Chapel.
This conclave is larger and more internationally represented than any before, thanks to the late Pope Francis promoting many new church officials from various countries. A two-thirds majority means 89 votes this time, and the potential for a lengthier election has been sparked by this broad representation.
While the cardinals are sworn to secrecy, there have been instances where details have leaked out, even from the lips of the elected Pope himself in certain cases. Some have argued that the silence under penalty of excommunication may not hold forever.
Before the official proceedings, a solemn ceremony transports the cardinals from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel. They must make an oath pledging loyalty to the rules and the secrecy surrounding the conclave. In the morning, a special mass takes place in St. Peter's Basilica.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin leads the electoral assembly, while the aging Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, serves as spiritual guide. Parolin is among the favorites for the succession of Pope Francis. Other prominent candidates include Matteo Zuppi and Pierbattista Pizzaballa from Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Jean-Marc-Aveline from France, José Tolentino de Mendonça from Portugal, Péter Erdő from Hungary, and Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg.
The rules and process may be centuries old, but the anticipation remains as alive as ever as the world watches for the white smoke signaling the election of the next pope.
Sources: ntv.de, jog/dpa
- Vatican
- Catholic Church
Fun Fact
Did you know? The tradition of using smoke signals in papal elections began in the 10th century, starting with burning straw. Today, the cards are set alight using chemical substances for a more visible signal.
A Peek Behind the Veil
- The Rules & Process of a Papal Conclave: The papal conclave is a centuries-old tradition involving the election of the new pope. Here are the essential details:
- The conclave typically begins 15-20 days after a pope's death.
- Only cardinals under 80 years old can participate.
- The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel since 1858.
- Casting the Votes: Cardinals vote by secret ballot. They take an oath before each vote and vote in order of precedence.
- The Smoke Signals: The burned ballots produce smoke. Black smoke signifies no pope has been elected, and white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
- The Election: A pope is elected with a two-thirds majority of votes. The new pope is announced, and the conclave ends.
The 2023 Papal Conclave, underway at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, is a significant event for the Catholic Church, with 133 eligible cardinals participating in the election of a new pope. The process, rooted in centuries-old tradition, involves secrecy and the use of smoke signals, with white smoke indicative of a new leader.
The conclave, larger and more internationally represented than any before, is expected to be lengthy due to the broad representation of church officials from different countries. The rules are strict, with cardinals isolated from the public and required to surrender their mobile phones and digital devices.
While the cardinals are sworn to secrecy, there have been instances where details have leaked out, even from the lips of the elected Pope himself in certain cases. Some argue that the silence under penalty of excommunication may not hold forever.
The rules and process may be centuries old, but the anticipation remains as alive as ever as the world watches for the white smoke signaling the election of the next pope.
