Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means the cardinals have not yet agreed on a new pope after voting.
The search for a new pope has officially begun. On Wednesday, black smoke was seen coming out of the chimney at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
This means the cardinals did not choose a new pope in their first vote.
The voting takes place inside the Sistine Chapel, a famous religious site with great historical meaning.
The 133 cardinals were locked inside on Wednesday evening. They are not allowed to contact the outside world while they vote.
What does black smoke mean?
The cardinals vote by secret ballot. To choose a new pope, at least 89 cardinals must agree on one person.
If no one receives enough votes, the ballots are burned with special chemicals that create black smoke.
This black smoke rises from the chimney and tells the public that no decision has been made.
When a new pope is finally chosen, a different chemical is used to create white smoke.
This white smoke is the traditional sign that a new pope has been selected.
White smoke will announce the new pope
After the white smoke appears, people in Vatican City and around the world will know that the cardinals have made their choice.
At that moment, the new pope will wear the white papal clothes for the first time.
Then, he will step onto the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people.
This is when his new papal name will be shared publicly. The name he chooses will be used during his time as pope.
Pope Francis passed away in April after short brief fight with health issues
The cardinals are meeting to choose a new leader because Pope Francis died on April 21.
He died from a stroke and heart failure, after more than ten years of service as a beloved pope.
Pope Francis became the first Jesuit and South American pope when he was elected in 2013. His passing deeply affected the Catholic Church.
How long does the Conclave last?
The current meeting is called a “conclave.” This is the special gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope.
The conclave often takes several votes over a few days before a decision is reached.
Although there is no time limit, most conclaves in modern times have been short.
In fact, the last 10 conclaves lasted an average of just over three days. When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, it only took two days.
Thousands of people are now waiting in St. Peter’s Square and watching for the next sign.
News channels around the world are following every step closely. Everyone is hoping for white smoke soon, which will bring the news of the new pope.
For now, the black smoke shows that the cardinals need more time.
They will continue to vote up to four times each day until one person gets the required number of votes.
This time is not only about choosing a leader. It is also a time of prayer for Catholics everywhere.
People are asking for guidance and wisdom for the cardinals. They hope the next pope will lead the Church with kindness, wisdom, and strength.
Until the white smoke rises, the world will continue to watch and wait for the next leader of the Catholic Church.