Black smoke above Sixtine Chapel after a long wait, not yet a new pope on first day conclave

Black smoke came from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday evening. This means that the cardinals who have gathered in the conclave have not chosen a new pope on the first day of their deliberation. The smoke signal was given around 9 p.m., at that time it was already dark on nearby Sint-Pietersplein.

The result of the first voting round was expected around 7 p.m., but for unclear reason took more than two hours longer. Italian media speculated at that time that there might not have been a mood at all.

A few thousand believers gathered on Sint-Pietersplein during the day to lead the chimney via large TV screens. The moment the chimney blew black smoke, the crowd stuck in loud cheers.

The votes of the 133 voting cardinals, a larger number than was the case with earlier conclusions, were burned in a stove – hence the black smoke. If the cardinals have been exceptionally in the first voting round about the new man who should lead the Catholic Church in the coming years, a signal with white smoke was given.

Doors closed

The cardinals gathered earlier on Wednesday before the start of the conclave, where a successor is chosen for Francis. He died on Easter Monday. The doors of the Sixtine Chapel were closed ceremonially and the internet in the Vatican was closed. It is forbidden to have contact with the outside world.

White smoke only follows when a two -thirds majority opts for a specific candidate. This requires the voices of at least 89 men. Cardinals entitled to vote choose someone from their midst.

Wednesday was the first day of the conclave, and on that day one voting round took place as usual. From Thursday, voting can be made four times a day as long as there is not sufficient support for one candidate: twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. In the past, the conclave sometimes lasted longer than a week. The two most recent pope elections, those of Francis and Benedict XVI, were over in two days.

To share

Mail the editors