The Papal Conclave: A Time of Waiting and Anticipation
With 133 cardinal electors yet to choose the new Pope, the anticipation continues to build at the Vatican. Tomorrow, four more rounds of voting are scheduled as the world waits with bated breath.
Vatican News
The long-awaited moment began after the Extra Omnes, the Latin formula that closes the doors of the Sistine Chapel to begin the Conclave. Inside, the 133 cardinals listened to the meditation of Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the emeritus preacher of the Pontifical Household, before the preparation and distribution of the voting cards by the ceremoniers. The scrutineers, infirmarians, and revisers were selected, and the voting began.
Meanwhile, approximately 45,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, gazing up at the Sistine Chapel chimney, where a few seagulls temporarily stole the show. The square was adorned with flags from around the world, illuminated by camera lights, flashes from countless cameras, and the glow of cell phones held by pilgrims, faithful, and the curious. The crowd engaged in applause, shouts, and discussions to pass the time during the wait for the smoke signal after over three hours.
At 9:00 PM, the black smoke emerged, met with a roar from the square. The cardinal electors had not yet chosen the 267th Pontiff in the history of the Church.
Tomorrow morning, Thursday, May 8, the cardinal electors will gather before 8:00 AM in the Apostolic Palace to celebrate Mass and Lauds in the Pauline Chapel. They will then retire to the Sistine Chapel at 9:15 AM to recite the Midday Hour and proceed with the voting. Lunch will be around 12:30 PM at Santa Marta, departure to the Apostolic Palace at 3:45 PM, followed by a retreat to the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 PM for two more rounds of voting and the Vespers celebration around 7:30 PM. Two smoke signals are expected each day: one in the late morning and one in the evening, after both the morning and afternoon votes.
