Vatican on Edge: Black Smoke Rises, No New Pope Yet — What’s Next?

A Papal Conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope when the papacy becomes vacant, either due to the death of the sitting Pope or their resignation. The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The Cardinals vote in secrecy, and the result is announced with the iconic white or black smoke signals.

The Cardinals gather to vote in a series of rounds. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected as Pope. If no candidate wins, the process continues, and ballots are burned after each vote. White smoke signals the election of a new Pope, while black smoke indicates no decision has been reached.

The duration of the conclave can vary. The process typically takes between 2 to 5 days, but it can take longer if there are multiple rounds of voting. The longest conclave in history lasted 33 days in 1268-1271, but most conclaves are concluded within a week.

The conclave begins with a mass, followed by a period of reflection and prayer. The Cardinals are sequestered in the Vatican and are not allowed any outside communication. They then begin voting in private, and the results are monitored by a Cardinal designated as the "Scrutineer." The conclave ends once a Pope is elected.

The Sistine Chapel serves as the venue for the conclave because it is a sacred space, rich in history and symbolism. The chapel is considered the heart of the Vatican and is used exclusively for papal elections and certain important church ceremonies.

Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. There are usually around 120 Cardinals who meet this age criterion and participate in the election process. These Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and come from various countries around the world.

If no Pope is elected after multiple rounds of voting, the Cardinals will often engage in discussions to determine the root of the impasse. In rare cases, a special compromise candidate might be selected. Black smoke is emitted after each failed vote, signaling to the public that the election has not yet been decided.

While the Vatican administration plays a role in organizing and overseeing the conclave, it does not directly interfere with the voting process. The conclave is designed to be a completely private and independent process, allowing the Cardinals to choose the best candidate based on their spiritual and leadership qualities.

The Cardinals vote based on several factors, including the candidate’s spiritual leadership, knowledge of the church, pastoral experience, and ability to unite the global Catholic community. The Cardinals may also consider the geographical, cultural, and political needs of the church, as well as the future direction of the papacy.

Once a new Pope is elected, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks the candidate if he accepts the election. If the candidate agrees, he is immediately declared the Pope. The new Pope then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address the faithful and offer a blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi.