Anticipation filled St. Peter’s Square Thursday morning as crowds gathered, eager for the announcement of a new pope. As the clock neared noon, hopes were dashed when the first plume of smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, revealing a disappointing black hue. This signal indicated that the cardinals inside had yet to reach a consensus. With memories of the previous two conclaves, which saw the elections of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI conclude in just two days, many onlookers expected a definitive result by the day’s end.
While a light morning drizzle transitioned into bright sunshine, most faithful and tourists were not shocked by the black smoke. The square hosted a diverse crowd, with people ensuring they captured the moment on their cellphones as images of the smoke filled the giant screens flanking the area. Judith Duru, a 22-year-old nursing student from Nigeria, filmed the smoke from afar, expressing trust in the cardinals’ decision-making. “I hope for a pope with a good heart who can understand and care for the people,” she stated, emphasizing that her priorities didn’t lie in the politics surrounding the selection. “A good pope will touch everyone,” she added, noting that she didn’t concern herself with the pope’s origins.
Prior to the smoke announcement, Joaquín Cáceres and Lucía Pérez, two Argentine expats in Spain, reflected on their own predictions. They had placed a friendly wager on when white smoke would finally emerge. While Pérez anticipated it would happen after the third ballot, Cáceres wagered on the afternoon and the fifth ballot, paralleling how Francis was elected. Although neither had a specific candidate in mind, both expressed hope that the next pope would continue Francis’ legacy. “The conclave and the Holy Spirit always work in mysterious ways,” Pérez remarked, reinforcing the belief that the cardinals listen to the faithful.
The crowd on Thursday was noticeably smaller compared to the thousands who had gathered the previous night. This could be attributed to the weekday timing, with many locals at work, alongside a collective expectation that white smoke would appear later. Nonetheless, the diverse international presence remained strong, with flags from various nations dotting the square. Several attendees were prepared for a lengthy wait, bringing supplies for what they anticipated might be a drawn-out process.
German tourists Philipp and Kathrin Wilmes prepared for the long haul after witnessing the previous evening’s excitement. “We packed jackets, bread, and water to stay put,” Mr. Wilmes shared, noting their desire for an election before their scheduled flight back to Germany. Likewise, Maciej Czaharyn, a Polish national residing in Iceland, echoed this sentiment, bringing a cushion and refreshments for his extended wait in the square. He remarked, “I stood for seven hours yesterday, but it was worth it.”
Even a group of sophomore students from the University of Dallas joined in, extending their stay in Italy to witness the conclave. As they played a card game on the cobblestones, they enjoyed cookies and sandwich fixings, embodying the spirit of the occasion. Local Italian youth, like Flavia Valle, 16, skipped school for the chance to witness history. “I hope for another charismatic pope like Francis,” she said, underscoring the connection many young people feel towards the church.
As the day unfolded, the world awaited the next move from the cardinals, hopeful that the next smoke signal would be white, heralding a new era for the Catholic Church.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/05/08/world/pope-conclave-news/the-sistine-chapel-hasnt-always-been-home-to-the-conclave
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Publish Date: 2025-05-08 20:20:00
