Conclave to Elect New Pope: What to Expect on Day Two of Voting

The process to elect a new pope is a historic and highly secretive event, and as the second day of voting in the conclave begins, all eyes are once again on the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals, secluded from the outside world, will continue their task of selecting a successor to Pope Francis. The conclave, a centuries-old tradition, is designed to ensure that a new Catholic leader is chosen through careful deliberation and a democratic voting process. As the Vatican staff prepares for multiple rounds of voting today, the world awaits the outcome.

What Happens During the Conclave Voting Process?

The voting process within the conclave is as intense as it is intricate. There are 133 voting cardinals who have been sequestered within the Vatican’s walls, carefully separated from the outside world to ensure their choices remain private and uninfluenced. To be elected as pope, a cardinal needs to secure a two-thirds majority of the votes, meaning that 89 votes out of 133 must be cast in their favor. This makes the process highly competitive, as each cardinal must work to earn the support of their peers.

The cardinals will continue voting until they have reached a consensus and selected a new pope. This means that multiple rounds of voting could take place over several days. The voting sessions themselves are discreet, and no details about the discussions inside the conclave are revealed to the public. The world’s only indication of the outcome comes from the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney after each vote.

Sistine Chapel Transformed for the Election: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

In the days leading up to the conclave, the Sistine Chapel, one of the Vatican’s most iconic and visited locations, has undergone a stunning transformation. Normally a bustling tourist destination, the chapel has now become the heart of a highly secretive election process. With centuries of history and tradition, the chapel’s interior has been recreated with great care to match the setup of previous conclaves.

Rows of raw wood tables covered in beige cloth and burgundy satin line the chapel, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Each cardinal has a designated chair made of cherry wood, marked with their name. The altar, where the sacred Gospels are placed, stands under Michelangelo’s famous “The Last Judgment” fresco, and this is where the cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before beginning their votes.

A wooden structure covers the floor, ensuring the cardinals do not walk directly on the sacred ground, maintaining both practical and symbolic reverence. The ballots themselves are cast in a straightforward yet meaningful manner. Each cardinal is provided with a pen, red folder, and ballot paper, and the votes are collected in a raw wood urn placed next to the lectern.

Once the votes are counted, the ballots are burned in a stove behind a marble barrier. The color of the smoke released from this stove provides the world with a visual clue as to the outcome of each voting session. If black smoke rises, it means that no pope has been chosen. White smoke, however, signifies that a new pope has been elected.

The Conclave’s Schedule: What to Expect on Day Two

The second day of the conclave promises to be just as crucial as the first, with four rounds of voting potentially scheduled. After spending the night at their residence, the cardinals will reconvene in the Sistine Chapel for their second round of voting. Unlike the previous day, when the procession to the chapel was visible to the public, no outside glimpses will be available today. The cardinals will be sequestered once again, and the only signals of progress will come from the smoke emanating from the chapel’s chimney.

The schedule allows for two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon. The first opportunity to see smoke may come around 10:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. ET). If a pope is not elected in the first round, the next round of voting will take place at midday, with smoke visible around 12 p.m. local time (6:00 a.m. ET). The same pattern follows for the afternoon votes, with potential smoke sightings at either 5:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET) or 7 p.m. (1:00 p.m. ET).

Day two of the conclave could bring a significant turning point in the election process. Notably, Pope Francis was elected on the final vote of day two in 2013, which heightens expectations for what may unfold today. The conclave is a highly confidential event, and the Catholic world eagerly anticipates the results.

Key Points to Know About the Conclave and Voting Process

• Cardinals’ Oaths: Each cardinal swears an oath of secrecy before casting their vote.
• Two-Thirds Majority Needed: A cardinal must receive at least 89 votes (out of 133) to be elected as pope.
• Ballots Burned for Smoke Signals: After voting, ballots are burned, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signaling a new pope.
• Day Two Voting: As many as four rounds of voting can take place today, with the first smoke signals expected around 10:30 a.m. local time.
• Sistine Chapel Setup: The chapel has been transformed into an election center, with raw wood tables and chairs for the cardinals, ensuring a private and sacred environment for the vote.

Conclusion: The Awaited Outcome

As the second day of the conclave unfolds, the anticipation for a new pope grows. The cardinals are working diligently to select a leader who will guide the Catholic Church into the future. Whether the outcome comes today or after several more votes, the world will be watching closely. The color of the smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney will tell the story, and soon, a new pope will take their place as the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics worldwide.