As the cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, a time-honored ritual took place with the world eagerly watching. Locked inside the chapel without cellphones, the 133 cardinals faced the historic task of selecting the next pope, after Pope Francis’ passing. Outside, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, waiting for the iconic smoke signal that would convey the outcome of the secretive vote.
The voting process, steeped in tradition, began in this highly secure setting. Cardinals discreetly wrote candidates’ names on ballots, striving to hide their handwriting. At 9 p.m., black smoke emerged from the chapel’s chimney—a message that more deliberation was needed. The white smoke, signaling a successful election, was yet to be seen, continuing the tradition that stretches back to the 19th century.
For the onlookers in the square, the emotional tension was palpable. Among them was Rev. Peter Mangum, who had attended previous papal elections. “We had to make sure the smoke was black,” he remarked. Many had traveled great distances, including Tania Radesca from Venezuela and Rodrigo Pinto from Guatemala, each sharing in the significant moment.
Despite the challenges of rain and heat, the crowd’s anticipation never waned. Jennifer Raulli, visiting Rome with her daughter, described the experience as indispensable, highlighting the global unity that such moments inspire. While religious convictions varied, the shared sentiment underscored a universal fascination with this rare event.
Inside the Vatican, the cardinals participated in a Mass led by Giovanni Battista Re, urging them to select a pope who could awaken moral and spiritual energies within society. Dynamic interactions among potential contenders like Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi offered hints at the complex dynamics unfolding behind closed doors.
After a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals commenced their voting in earnest. Stripped of outside contact, they faced the challenge of reaching consensus, a process historically lasting no more than five days. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York wryly advised fellow cardinals to “bring a book,” anticipating lengthy deliberations.
For Yuichiro Yamakoshi, a tourist from Japan, and many others, the conclave offered a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church’s influence and traditions. Each moment, from the Mass to the tension of awaiting the smoke, contributed to a historic, communal experience that transcended individual backgrounds.
As the crowd dispersed for the night, conversations were filled with hopes for the next day. Among the pilgrims, a group from St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston reflected on their coincidental but meaningful presence in Rome. George Smith, one of the pilgrims, expressed their collective sentiment, “It is a blessing for us.”
With the cardinals still deliberating the future leader of the Catholic Church, the world waited alongside the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. As night fell, the ancient ritual continued, capturing the world’s attention and anticipation for what the next day might bring.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/05/07/world/pope-conclave-updates/when-will-the-cardinals-vote-next
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Publish Date: 2025-05-08 02:43:00
