On Thursday, May 8th, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, signaling the selection of a new Pope during a secret conclave held within the chapel.
Upon seeing the white smoke, the crowd gathered at the Vatican erupted into cheers and celebrations. People embraced each other as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, welcoming the news of the newly elected Pope.
The Sistine Chapel serves as the parliament of the Vatican and is where the Papal elections take place. The only communication between the electors and the outside world is through the smoke emitted from the chimney, as the voting ballets are burned with special chemicals added. If the voting is inconclusive, black smoke is released; if a Pope is chosen, white smoke emerges.
When white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, it signifies the birth of a new Pope. Conversely, black smoke indicates that the voting did not result in the election of a Pope, requiring further deliberation.
The first day of voting on Wednesday failed to produce a new Pope, leading to the release of black smoke from the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals continued to vote on Thursday until one candidate secured at least a two-thirds majority, which in this election meant at least 89 votes. If no decision is reached on Thursday, the voting process will continue in the upcoming days.
The identity of the new Pope will soon be announced from a balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where a large crowd is expected to gather in anticipation.