The conclave in the Vatican remains deadlocked. On Thursday morning, another plume of black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that two additional rounds of voting had once again failed to produce a new pope to succeed Francis.
None of the 133 cardinal electors has yet reached the required two-thirds majority — 89 votes — needed to be proclaimed the new leader of the Catholic Church. After the morning session, the cardinals took a break for lunch before returning in the afternoon for another round of voting, which could include up to two more ballots.
Despite the lack of agreement, hope remains. “I hope that tonight, when I return to Rome, I will see white smoke,” said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, during a visit to Pompeii. At 91 years old, Re does not participate in the voting — which is restricted to cardinals under the age of 80 — but he did preside over the Mass that preceded the conclave. He expressed confidence that the cardinals would choose “the pope that the Church and the world need today,” according to Italian media.
As tradition dictates, the rhythm of the conclave is closely followed through Vatican television cameras. A steady focus on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney alerts viewers that smoke is imminent. White smoke signals a successful election; black smoke means no consensus has been reached.
St. Peter’s Square was once again filled with pilgrims, journalists, and school groups on Thursday, many of whom had traveled to Rome for Year of Jubilee activities planned before Francis’s death. All eyes were on the sky, waiting for a sign.
While some cardinals had predicted a quick process, recent history suggests otherwise. Over the past century, conclaves have required anywhere from three to fourteen rounds of voting. John Paul I, elected in 1978, was chosen in the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, took eight. Francis, elected in 2013, was chosen in the fifth.
The new conclave began Wednesday afternoon with a ritual rich in symbolism and tradition: crimson robes, Latin oaths, ancient chants, and the solemn presence of the Swiss Guard. Once the doors of the Sistine Chapel were closed, the cardinals were cut off from the outside world to begin the centuries-old secretive process.
Among the leading contenders is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, who served as Secretary of State under Pope Francis. As the highest-ranking elector under the age of 80, he is overseeing the conclave’s proceedings.
The world waits in suspense. The election of the 267th pope of the Catholic Church may be just around the corner — or still several ballots away.
