Black smoke filled the Vatican after the large wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City were closed, signifying that a new Pope is yet to be elected.
Voting started yesterday, but only a white smoke from the Chimney can confirm that a new Pope has been elected to succeed the late Francis.
Earlier, two guards in ceremonial dress stood on either side. This significant event marked the beginning of the Conclave (the voting process by Catholic cardinals) for Pope Francis’s successor, who died on Easter Monday.
On Wednesday, the cardinals took turns swearing their oaths, after which the papal master of ceremonies closed the doors, signifying that the conclave had begun just as the Vatican cameras had departed from the chapel.
Before the doors shut, cardinals promised to keep all matters related to the vote secret and that whoever was elected would faithfully carry out the role.
The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Diego Ravelli, then announced “extra omnes”, essentially “everyone out”. Those not taking part in the conclave then left.
The cardinals cannot communicate with the outside world until a new pope is elected.
There was only one round of voting on Wednesday, but if a decision is not made, the cardinals vote up to four times every day afterwards.
The process can take some time because a new pope requires a two-thirds majority, although the last two conclaves concluded by the end of day two.
To cast their vote, each cardinal puts their vote on a card that says in Latin, “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” alongside the name of their chosen candidate. They then walk in order of their seniority to place their cards inside the large silver and gilded urn.
Cardinals worldwide will choose the 267th pope, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at this event of spiritual, political, and global relevance. Francis died on April 21 at 88 after 12 years in the papacy.
If a pope is not chosen in the first four days of the conclave, voting is suspended on the fifth day to allow time for prayer, quiet reflection and informal discussions.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope. If no one reaches that threshold, another vote is held. After each round, ballots are burned.
No pope has been chosen if black smoke appears from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. White smoke signals the Catholic Church has a new pontiff.
Black smoke is produced by burning a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulphur, while white smoke results from a blend of potassium chlorate, lactose and a conifer resin known as rosin.
The last two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, wrapped up by the end of the second day of voting.
On Wednesday, many believers, tourists, curious onlookers, and journalists from around the world gathered at St Peter’s Square to await the first smoke.