The Smoke Above Vatican: The Election Drama Unfolds
Vatican enshrouded in smoky haze; no determination made concerning the next Pope. - Unannounced papal election greeted by smoke-filled skies above Vatican City
Ready for some papal politics? Let's dive into the Vatican's secretive election process!
The latest round of the papal selection began on a Wednesday afternoon, with eligible cardinals making their way to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. After swearing an oath of secrecy, they commenced the first vote. Unfortunately, a new pope didn't emerge with the necessary majority, forcing the conclave to continue the next day.
Stay tuned, folks! For each round, the cardinals keep voting until they attain a consensus over their candidate, and the rule is simple─as long as they can't agree, black smoke will fill the skies above the Sistine Chapel. But when a new pope is elected, expect white smoke instead, and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica to chime!
Wondering about the intricate election process and the smoke signals? Let's shed some light on the matter.
The Dance of the Cardinals: The Conclave Process
After the passing of a pope, the College of Cardinals gathers, usually between 15 to 20 days later. Around 120 cardinal electors, aged under 80, assemble in the Sistine Chapel and seal themselves inside for strict seclusion, prohibiting communication with the outside world, except in emergencies.
Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate, deposits the ballot in an urn, and the voting process begins. A candidate becomes pope if they receive a two-thirds majority plus one vote. Voting continues in rounds until someone achieves the required majority.
Smoke Signals: Black vs. White
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a small stove chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof. If a candidate doesn't secure the required votes, the ballots are burned with a chemical producing black smoke,signaling the world that the election process is ongoing. But once a cardinal takes the mantle, the ballots are burned with a different chemical preparation, causing white smoke and announcing to the world the election of a new pope.
In short, black smoke means the election drama continues, and white smoke spells the end of the game and the installment of a new Pontiff! This traditional smoke signal has served as a public cue to follow the progress and the final result of the papal election.
After the first vote in the papal selection process, no candidate achieved a two-thirds majority, resulting in black smoke signaling from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signifying that the conclave continues. As the cardinals continue voting, they adhere to the rule that black smoke indicates an ongoing election while white smoke signifies the selection of a new pope. The election process follows the College of Cardinals gathering and sealing themselves in the Sistine Chapel for several days of voting. In this competitive papal politics, the next pope could potentially be elected on Easter Monday. Yet, at the Vatican, despite the passage of days, none have been selected as the new Pope Francis.
