Black Smoke at Sistine Chapel Chimney; No Successor Named Yet
- VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening, indicating that the first ballot by cardinals to elect a new pope was inconclusive.
- Tens of thousands of peopel gathered in St.Peter's Square, awaiting a sign from the Vatican after the initial vote.
- The traditional signal for a accomplished papal election is white smoke rising from the specially installed chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
Black Smoke Signals No Pope Chosen in First Vatican Ballot
Table of Contents
- Black Smoke Signals No Pope Chosen in First Vatican Ballot
- Black Smoke and the Papal Election: A Q&A
- What Does Black Smoke from the Sistine Chapel Mean?
- What is the Significance of the Smoke Signals in a Papal Election?
- How Does the smoke Signaling System Work?
- What Happens After the First Ballot Produces Black Smoke?
- When does the Papal Conclave Begin?
- How Many Cardinals Are Eligible to Vote in a Papal Election?
- How Many People Gather in St.Peter’s square during the Papal Election?
- How Can I Watch the Papal Election?
- What is the Role of the Cardinals in the Papal election?
- What Happens After a Pope is Elected?
- What are the Key Differences Between Black and White Smoke?
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening, indicating that the first ballot by cardinals to elect a new pope was inconclusive.
Tens of thousands of peopel gathered in St.Peter’s Square, awaiting a sign from the Vatican after the initial vote. The Italian news agency Ansa, citing local authorities, estimated the crowd at 30,000. More people continued to arrive as the evening progressed.
The traditional signal for a accomplished papal election is white smoke rising from the specially installed chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke signifies that no candidate received the necessary majority.
Shortly before 8 p.m.local time, more than 100,000 viewers tuned into the “Vatican News” YouTube live stream, which provides a view of the Sistine Chapel chimney. Typically, this 24-hour broadcast, which usually shows services and other papal events, attracts only a few dozen viewers. St. Peter’s Square is shown when no events are taking place.
Cardinals to Continue Search for New Pope
The 133 cardinals eligible to vote will resume their search for a new pope on Thursday. Up to four ballots are scheduled, with voting taking place in the morning and evening. Many observers anticipate a decision within the coming days.
The conclave began Wednesday afternoon. The cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, and the doors were closed, sequestering them from the outside world as they deliberate on a successor to the late Pope Francis.
Black Smoke and the Papal Election: A Q&A
What Does Black Smoke from the Sistine Chapel Mean?
Black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney signifies that the cardinals have not yet elected a new pope. It means that the initial ballot, or any subsequent ballots, did not result in a candidate receiving the required majority of votes.
What is the Significance of the Smoke Signals in a Papal Election?
The smoke signals are a visual communication system used to inform the world about the progress of the conclave, the meeting of cardinals to elect a pope. White smoke signals victory, while black smoke indicates no decision has been made. This tradition allows people worldwide to follow the proceedings.
How Does the smoke Signaling System Work?
A special chimney,installed atop the Sistine Chapel,is used to release the smoke. After each round of voting,the ballots are burned. Chemicals are added to the burning ballots to change the color of the smoke:
Black Smoke: Indicates an unsuccessful vote, meaning no candidate received the required majority.
White Smoke: Indicates a prosperous vote, and a new pope has been elected.
What Happens After the First Ballot Produces Black Smoke?
If the first ballot, or any subsequent ballot, results in black smoke, the cardinals will continue voting in the conclave. The process includes:
Another round of voting takes place until a candidate receives the necessary majority.
Cardinals will vote again later that day, typically twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, until they reach a decision.
When does the Papal Conclave Begin?
The conclave began Wednesday afternoon when the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel and the doors were closed, sequestering them from the outside world.
How Many Cardinals Are Eligible to Vote in a Papal Election?
There were 133 cardinals eligible to vote in this specific papal election.
How Many People Gather in St.Peter’s square during the Papal Election?
Tens of thousands of people gather in St. Peter’s Square. Italian news agency ansa, citing local authorities, estimated the crowd at 30,000 after the first vote. The crowd continued to grow as the evening progressed.
How Can I Watch the Papal Election?
The “Vatican News” YouTube live stream provides a view of the Sistine Chapel chimney, allowing viewers to witness the smoke signals. More than 100,000 viewers tuned in during the first vote.
What is the Role of the Cardinals in the Papal election?
The cardinals are responsible for electing the new pope. they meet in the Sistine Chapel, sequestered from the outside world, to purposeful and vote until a candidate receives the necessary majority.
What Happens After a Pope is Elected?
After a successful vote that produces white smoke, the newly elected pope is announced to the world.
What are the Key Differences Between Black and White Smoke?
Here’s a speedy comparison:
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black Smoke | no Pope Elected |
| White Smoke | Pope Elected |