The papal conclave in Vatican City is still underway, with no decision yet on the next pope.
As of this morning, black smoke has once again emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel a sign that the cardinals have failed to elect the next pope after two additional rounds of voting.
The process began yesterday, Wednesday, in strict accordance with centuries-old tradition. At around 10 a.m., Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, celebrated the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice — the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff — in St. Peter’s Basilica. This marked the spiritual beginning of the conclave.
Later in the afternoon, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the 133 cardinal-electors gathered in the Pauline Chapel. From there, they processed into the Sistine Chapel in reverse order of precedence.
Once all had entered the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal stepped forward to take the solemn oath of secrecy, placing his hand on the Gospel and swearing to uphold the confidentiality of the conclave process. After this, the doors were closed and sealed with the traditional call of “Extra omnes” meaning “everyone out” removing all non-essential personnel and officially beginning the election.
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, then delivered a spiritual meditation, reminding the electors of the gravity of their task and the need for prayerful discernment.
Inside the sealed chapel, the first ballots were cast, but they did not produce a two-thirds majority — the threshold required for election, which in this case means at least 89 votes out of 133.
This morning, two more votes were held. Again, no consensus was reached, and once more, black smoke signaled to the Catholics around the world that a decision had not yet been made.
This conclave is one of the most diverse in Church history, with electors from 70 different nations.
For now, the chimney remains the center of attention. White smoke and the ringing of bells will eventually confirm that a new pope has been chosen. Until then, the cardinals continue their deliberations, and the world continues to watch.
Among those being talked about as likely candidates is Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, 65, the Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He’s a strong voice from Africa, with a focus on justice and Church reform.
Two Italian cardinals are also in focus: Pietro Cardinal Parolin, 70, the Vatican’s top diplomat and Secretary of State, and Matteo Cardinal Zuppi, 69, Archbishop of Bologna, known for his peace efforts and pastoral style.
From the Philippines, Luis Cardinal Tagle, 67, who heads the Vatican office for evangelization, and Pablo Cardinal David, 66, Bishop of Kalookan, are both being closely watched.
Other notable names include Gérald Cardinal Lacroix of Quebec, 67; Robert Cardinal Prevost, 69, from the U.S., in charge of bishops globally; and Joseph Cardinal Tobin, 72, Archbishop of Newark. Asia is also represented by Tarcisius Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, 66, of Tokyo, and Stephen Cardinal Chow, 65, Bishop of Hong Kong.
Michael Cardinal Czerny, 78, based in the Vatican’s social justice office, and Jean-Claude Cardinal Hollerich, 66, from Luxembourg, are also seen as possible picks. Others mentioned include Péter Cardinal Erdő of Hungary, Mario Cardinal Grech of Malta, Jean-Marc Cardinal Aveline of France, and Jaime Cardinal Spengler, 64, of Brazil.
The cardinals will keep voting up to four times daily until someone reaches the two-thirds majority required. For now, the world eagerly awaits the white smoke.
