Black smoke seen at Vatican

englibertm · 2013-03-13T07:45:37+00:00

ROME Black smoke poured from a chimney at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel late Tuesday, signaling that a new pope had not been elected in the first round of voting by a conclave of cardinals. The 115 cardinals will reconvene Wednesday and are scheduled to hold four votes each day until two-thirds of their ballots bear the name of the same man. No new pope was no surprise a pope has not been elected on the first ballot in centuries. After each vote, the Vatican will release smoke from a chapel chimney. Black smoke means no two-thirds majority, so no new pope. White smoke means we have a winner. Many hundreds braved the rain and cold in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday to see the almost-inevitable black smoke that signaled the end of Day One of the conclave. An almost-equal mix of journalists, tourists and locals filled about half of the large circular piazza. Groups of nuns sang songs, children played games and lovers kissed. Undeterred by the damp chill or inconclusive papal conclave result, Bridget Lyons, 20, said she planned to return daily until the new pope is elected In contrast to the 2005 election that selected Pope Benedict, which came on the heels of a massively attended funeral for John Paul II, the crowds outside were sparse during the day. Standing closest to the St. Peter's balcony, where the new pope will meet the masses, was the Herrera family from Queretaro, Mexico. In contrast to the throngs of vacationers, they made the trip to Rome solely to see the new pope elected. "We are Catholics, and this moment means a lot to us," said Monica Herrera, flanked by her husband Ernesto and young daughter, Regina. Behind them hung a Mexican flag. They plan to stake out this prime spot for as long as the conclave lasts in order to be front row when history is made. "John Paul had a lot of charisma, and Benedict was very scholarly, so the next pope has big shoes to fill," she said. "He'll have to be modern, and have the strength to confront the church's many issues. We are in a moment of crisis now." As to who might ascend to the throne of St. Peter, Herrera's bet is "on an Italian," she said with a smile. "I think after a German and a Polish pope, they want it back."

Thread starter englibertm
Start date Mar 13, 2013

englibertm

JF-Expert Member

Mar 13, 2013

Duduwasha

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Black smoke seen at Vatican

englibertm

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Duduwasha

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