The Sistine Chapel has been temporarily transformed into an extraordinary polling station. Within those ancient walls, 133 cardinals are currently meeting behind closed doors in order to choose the papacy’s next successor. The conclave opened under the ornate and breathtaking beauty of Michelangelo’s painted masterpieces. Day one ended with no decision made, marked by black smoke billowing from the chapel’s chimney. Whether this moment will bring any tangible change to the Catholic Church remains to be seen. It seeks to take advantage of the vacancy created by the last pope’s departure.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re opened the conclave with an uplifting message during a Mass, expressing support for the cardinals involved in this sacred duty. He offered them an embrace and “double good wishes,” a gesture that encapsulates the spirit of unity among the cardinals as they embark on this important task.
Vatican observers have identified five top candidates to succeed Pope Francis. They call these candidates papabile. Of these, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are the favorites. Each has served two powerful roles in Rome. Most importantly, this has given them the freedom to cultivate personal ties with the majority of the other voting cardinals.
To win the papacy, one must win two-thirds of the delegation. That further means they need at least 89 votes out of a grand total of just 133. If the cardinals are still deadlocked on February 28, they will keep casting their ballots until a new leader of the Catholic Church is chosen. The tradition of using smoke to announce the results of the voting has origins in the 1800s. White smoke indicates that a new pope has been elected. By contrast, black smoke is a signal that no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority just yet.
On Wednesday night, dark smoke issued from the Sistine Chapel chimney. This was the first indication that the first round of voting had ended, and without electing a new pope. It’s drawn thousands of hopeful, pre-dawn observers right outside the chapel. They look forward to more results and continue to keep a vigilant eye on the smoke and what it means.
You are allowed to take up to four different votes in a single day. Two can be held in the morning, and two more in the afternoon, allowing for a very quick process if the cardinals come to an agreement. The conclave functions under total black-out conditions. Before entering, each cardinal took an oath at the altar under Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” promising to keep things secret during the election proceedings.
Frederic Baumgartner noted that black smoke is “taken as meaning that there had been no election – and that they were burning the ballots after scrutiny.” The excitement about this conclave is still very much alive as observers continue to hope for a quick compromise.
“We’re hoping to see the white smoke this evening,” said Jo Dawang, reflecting the hopes of many gathered outside. As the cardinals continue their deliberations, they carry not only their own expectations but those of millions of Catholics worldwide who look to them for guidance and leadership.
