After nine days of mourning Pope Francis, 133 cardinals from 70 countries have gathered in Vatican City to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave began on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel, following centuries-old traditions.
The cardinals are completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, no emails, no communication. Their mission is clear: to choose a new pope who will lead 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The first round of voting took place late on May 7, but no pope was elected. A thick cloud of black smoke rose above St. Peter’s Square in the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, signalling that the cardinals had not reached a decision.
Starting again today, May 8, the cardinals will be voting twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon until a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority.
While some cardinals expect a quick decision, history suggests it may take several rounds of voting. In the past century, conclaves have lasted anywhere from three to eight ballots.
- Pope John Paul I was elected on the third ballot in 1978.
- Pope John Paul II needed eight ballots.
- Pope Francis was chosen on the fifth ballot in 2013.
The world now waits for white smoke, the sign that a new pope has been chosen.
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