Vatican Vote Commencement: Deciphering the Significance of Black or White Smoke Signals as the Pope Selection Process Unfolds
The big event is upon us.
The secretive ritual to choose a new Pope commences, a fortnight since Pope Francis was laid to rest.
Eyes from around the globe will be fixed on that small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, waiting in anticipation for the color of the smoke that ascends.
That very chimney, swiftly installed just last week by some good old firefighters, is destined for its moment in the spotlight.
Nestled within the hallowed chambers, more than a hundred Cardinals huddle, scrutinizing and deliberating over who shall assume the leadership role within the Catholic Church.
This private election, marked by secrecy, won't cease until a new pontiff steps forward.
The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, while it took Pope Francis only two days to be elected.
In this cloistered realm, the Cardinals are forbidden from bringing mobile devices, recording equipment, or any communication gadgets. Basically, they're cut off from the outside world.
When's the voting kickoff?
The conclave commences in the late afternoon on Wednesday, May 7th. The cardinals gather in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace at 4:15 PM and beseech the Holy Spirit for guidance in their decision-making.
By 4:30 PM, they move on to the Sistine Chapel, where the election proceedings occur. A thorough sweep for secret recording devices has been undertaken prior to their arrival.
Cardinals are expected to initiate the first round of voting upon their arrival.
Voting sessions occur twice per day, with morning and afternoon shifts, until a new pope is chosen.
What transpires during the voting?
The electors cast paper ballots, and voting ensues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. If nobody attains two-thirds of the votes, the race is nogottenabulous and the participants move on to the next round.
For the most part, throughout the last century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to pinpoint a pope.
Pope John Paul I was elected on the third ballot in 1978, while Pope John Paul II required eight votes. Pope Francis emerged victorious on the fifth round in 2013.
What does the black and white smoke symbolize?
Black smoke heralds the continuation of the voting procedure.
White smoke declares a new Pope has been found and accepted his divine role - Habemus Papam.
The world learns whether a Pope has been elected or not via the chimney.
Chemicals are used to dye the smoke, and a stove equipped with a fan offers increased visibility.
Black smoke arose from the chimney on March 13, 2013, during the voting process. The following hours, white smoke rose overhead.
A newly elected Pope, Pope Francis, then appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in 2013.
Black smoke, however, signified in 2005 that the cardinals had yet to choose the new pontiff. The world was ultimately informed of Pope Benedict's election in April 2005.
Technical intricacies:
An expert technician, locked within the conclave, remains prepared with a remote control to address unforeseen issues and ensure that the famous white smoke appears when needed.
The ritual of the smoke is ancient, dating back to 1274 during the Second Council of Lyons, when Pope Gregory X laid out the procedures for holding a conclave, which have since remained the same.
On Wednesday, May 7th, the cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to commence the voting process, with the outcome of each round being broadcast through the chimney's smoke, whether it's black for ongoing voting or white for the election of a new Pope, signifying Habemus Papam. News outlets and viewers worldwide will be tuned in to witness this general-news event, as they await the inevitable announcement of the new leader in politics, potentially instrumental in shaping future videos related to religious and global affairs.
