MWE Correspondent
Catholic cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday to continue voting for a new pope, after Wednesday’s first round failed to produce a result — signaled by the rising of black smoke from the chimney atop the Vatican chapel.
A total of 133 cardinal-electors are participating in this secretive process, formally known as the papal conclave, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The successor to the papacy must secure a two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — to be named the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Vatican has so far remained tight-lipped about potential frontrunners, though names frequently mentioned include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, known for his pastoral charisma and global appeal.
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The process of electing a pope is steeped in centuries of tradition. Cardinals are sequestered from the outside world, and votes are cast twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon until a winner emerges. Only when white smoke rises from the chimney will the faithful in St. Peter’s Square know that a new spiritual leader has been chosen.
The last papal conclave took place in 2013, culminating in the election of Pope Francis after five rounds of voting. According to historical records, the number of ballots required can vary significantly — anywhere from just three to as many as fourteen rounds.
Pope Francis’ papacy was noted for efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, address sexual abuse scandals, and reach out to marginalized communities. His death at the age of 88 marked the end of a transformative chapter for the Catholic Church, which now looks to its future leadership amidst a complex global landscape.
