In a historic moment watched around the globe, white smoke has billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope has been chosen to lead the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.
The announcement follows a series of closely guarded voting sessions by the College of Cardinals. Their initial vote on Wednesday evening was inconclusive, with black smoke indicating no consensus had been reached. The cardinals resumed their deliberations Thursday morning, casting two more ballots in the Sistine Chapel. At 11:50 a.m. (09:50 GMT), black smoke once again confirmed that the necessary two-thirds majority — 89 votes — had not yet been secured.
After breaking for lunch and returning to their Vatican residences, the cardinals reconvened for the afternoon session. Following at least one more round of voting, the long-anticipated signal came: white smoke, rising above St. Peter라이브 바카라 Square, announced to the world that a decision had finally been made
What is the Conclave?
The papal conclave is a confidential election process held to select a new pope when the Holy See becomes vacant, either because of the pope's death or resignation. During this time, cardinals are isolated in the Sistine Chapel, away from any outside influence, with the process typically lasting several days. If no pope is chosen after a round of voting, black smoke is released from the chapel라이브 바카라 chimney, whereas white smoke indicates the election of a new pope.
The tradition of isolating eligible cardinals (aged 80 or younger) dates back to 1271, after a lengthy papal election following Pope Clement IV라이브 바카라 death in 1268. This took place during a 24-year period when the Holy See was temporarily based in Viterbo, near Rome, due to ongoing conflicts between competing aristocratic families in the city.
List Of Successors
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines: 67, known for his progressive views on LGBTQ rights and social issues. If elected, he would be the first Asian pope.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy: 69, a close ally of Pope Francis, recognized for his peace missions and inclusive stance toward marginalized communities.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke of the U.S: 76, a traditionalist who has criticized liberal reforms and opposes granting Communion to pro-abortion politicians.
Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary: 72, a conservative voice who opposes Communion for divorced Catholics and controversially equated accepting refugees to human trafficking.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem: The 60-year-old Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is known to have impressive understanding of the Israelis and Palestinians and the ongoing war on Gaza. Pope Francis made him the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem five years ago and later a cardinal.
