Cardinals Gather for Second Day of Voting to Choose New Pope
The process to choose a new pope is underway in Vatican City. On Thursday, Catholic cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel for a second day of voting.
On the first day, black smoke rose from the chapel’s chimney, which means no one was chosen yet. According to tradition, black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been elected.
There are 133 cardinals taking part in the vote. They spent the night in special housing inside the Vatican and came back early in the morning to continue the process. The voting will continue until one cardinal gets enough support—at least two-thirds of the votes, which is 89 out of 133.
This election is special because it includes cardinals from 71 different countries. It’s one of the most diverse papal elections in the Church’s long history.
All cardinals have promised to keep the voting process secret, as required by centuries of Church tradition.
What Happens When a New Pope is Chosen?
Once a cardinal receives enough votes, the dean of the cardinals will ask him if he accepts the role. If he says yes, he then picks a new name as pope.
At that moment, he officially becomes the leader of the Catholic Church. The other cardinals show their respect, and white smoke is sent out of the Sistine Chapel to tell the world that a new pope has been elected.
Soon after, a senior cardinal comes out on a balcony and announces in Latin: “Habemus Papam!” which means “We have a pope!” The new pope then steps out to give his first blessing to the people watching in St. Peter’s Square and those around the world.
Who Might Be the Next Pope?
Cardinals from all parts of the world are part of this conclave:
- 53 from Europe
- 37 from North and South America
- 23 from Asia
- 18 from Africa
- 4 from Oceania
This year, cardinals from 15 countries are voting for the first time. These include places like Rwanda, Myanmar, Sweden, and Tonga. Ages of the cardinals range widely—from 45-year-old Mikola Bychok of Ukraine to 79-year-old Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York is also among the 10 American cardinals involved in the vote.
The gathering was made more diverse over the years by Pope Francis, who made an effort to include cardinals from different parts of the world, not just Europe.
As voting continues, the world watches and waits for the moment when white smoke rises and a new pope is introduced.
