LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A dramatic sight in Vatican City Wednesday – black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney. That means no pope has been elected yet.
The doors are shut, the ballots have been burned, and the world now knows – no decision yet.
“The conclave has begun and that’s right, conclave, behind the key, locked in the Sistine Chapel, so they can now pray and deliberate and elect the next pope,” said Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas, Gregory Gordon.
Conclave, or “with a key” in Latin, is a tradition born out of frustration – dating back to the 13th century when it once took nearly three years to elect a pope. Since 1268, the conclave has been held in strict secrecy. Now the process of electing a pope usually lasts two to three days.
On Wednesday, the process began as 133 cardinals gathered for a private Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, then processed into the Sistine Chapel for the first round of voting.
“We just saw 133 cardinals placing their hand on a Book of the Gospels and making an oath to secrecy, which makes this whole process sacred,” Gordon said.
The Vatican officials gave the order: “extra omnes” – everyone out.
“So, everybody who’s not a card elector was removed from the Sistine Chapel, the doors closed, and now the work of electing the next successor of St. Peter’s Vicar of Christ on Earth starts,” explained Bishop Gordon.
The ballots are burned inside the chapel’s chimney, the smoke was black – meaning no candidate reached the two thirds majority.
While the voting happens in Rome, prayers came from across the world, including here in Southern Nevada.
“We kind of shifted from the prayers for mercy for Pope Francis to prayers for enlightenment, spiritual enlightenment, for these men in the College of Cardinals.”
What happens next?
The cardinals will return to the Sistine Chapel Thursday for more rounds of voting – up to four ballots per day.
Until then, the world will keep watching and waiting for white smoke and Habemus Papam.
“After we see the white smoke, one of the cardinals will announce to the world, and all gathered in St. Peter’s Square before him, ‘Habemus Papam’ – we have a pope,” Gordon said. “I’m sure then, as in times past, there will be an eruption of applause and shouting and joy.”
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