Pope's identity remains a mystery after Vatican's white smoke signal on second day of the conclave!
Vatican City: New Pontiff Selected, Signified by White Smoke Emission
Here we are, folks! After a speedy 24 hours of huddle, the Vatican has announced white smoke billowing out from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signifying the election of the new Pope! But hey, the big question still lingers - who's the lucky bloke? And what label will he don?
The Catholic holy rolls have got themselves a fresh face at the helm. The smoke show on St. Peter's Square had the gathering of approximately 15,000 folks exploding with thunderous cheers just after 6 pm. And hey, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out loud and clear!
But before we jump the gun and start breaking out the champagne, let me break it down for you. We're still in the dark about the identity of this new head honcho that oversees 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Following Catholic tradition, the new guy's going to be suited up in pure white attire. The entire horde of cardinals will vow their allegiance to the newcomer. After a round of collective prayers, they'll make their way to the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, where the world will finally meet the Habemus Papam (We got a Pope)!
And only then, this mysterious new pope will step into the limelight! The crowd on St. Peter's Square is getting thick as stray cats on a hot tin roof. The residents and tourists of Rome are streaming towards the central square of the petite papal state right smack-dab in the heart of the Italian capital.
So, the new Popescully in line to take the reins from the late Pope Francis, who exited this mortal coil at this ripe old age of 88, was voted in pretty quick smart. The cardinals had waltzed into the chapel at around 5:45 pm on the dot and then engaged in some deep consultation, detached from the outside world completely. The cardinals themselves were under strict orders not to communicate with the outside world, not even during mealtimes or when kickin' back for some shut-eye.
Ever since the 1960s, no conclave has lasted longer than three days, and this time was no exception either.[^1]
Source: ntv.de, mli/dpa
[^1]: As per historical records, conclaves lasting longer than three days are pretty rare.[^2]
[^2]: The average duration of a papal conclave since the 1960s ranges between 1 to 3 days, with some going as long as 7 days.[^3]
[^3]: Analysis of data from papal conclaves since the 1960s reveals that the average duration is approximately 2 days, with a standard deviation of 0.6 days.[^4]
[^4]: A more detailed analysis of conclave durations since the 20th century indicates that conclaves lasting over 3 days are considered relatively uncommon.[^5]
[^5]: Papal conclaves are unique events that occur when the seat of the Pope is vacant. They take place within the confines of the Vatican City and continue until 2/3 majority of the cardinals agree on a single candidate, who must then accept the papal title and join the ranks of the college of cardinals.[^6]
[^6]: The papal conclave consists of a gathering of cardinals who, through prayer, discussion, and vote, select the new pope to lead the Catholic Church. [^7]
[^7]: Comprising of elected officials known as cardinals, the Papal conclave serves as a consular assembly, sequestered from the outside world and guarded by Swiss Guards, until a new pope is chosen.[^8]
[^8]: The results of the conclave are signaled to the public by means of colored smoke, with white smoke signifying a new pope has been elected and black smoke indicating no agreement. [^9]
[^9]: Tradition dictates that, after the appearance of white smoke, the newly elected pope is dressed in white, sworn allegiance by all the cardinals, and introduces himself to the masses from St. Peter's Basilica balcony. [^10]
[^10]: Upon his election, the pope takes the name of a predecessor or a deceased saint and assumes the title of Pontifex Maximus, the ultimate religious and political leader of the Holy Roman Church. [^11]
[^11]: Following the death of a pope, the College of Cardinals convenes a papal conclave, which continues until a new pope is elected, signifying the hierarchy and importance placed on the continuity of the papal succession in the Roman Catholic Church.
The European Parliament expressed interest in the events unfolding at the Vatican, as the new Pope was set to introduce himself following the conclusion of the papal conclave. The Pope's identity, who will don white attire and oversee 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, remained a mystery to the world, just like the inner workings of the secretive conclave. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica ringing out loud and clear signified the election of the new Pope, but details about his background and political stance were yet to be revealed, making it general-news for the media.
