The sight of black smoke—broadcast live to millions worldwide—confirmed that no consensus had been reached among the 133 cardinal-electors gathered in the Vatican. A candidate must receive at least 89 votes to be elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Thousands of faithful and curious onlookers had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, waiting in anticipation for a glimpse of white smoke, the traditional signal that a new pope has been chosen.
Largest Conclave in Church History
This conclave marks the largest in history, with 133 cardinal-electors convening in the Sistine Chapel following a solemn Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Mass was the final public event before the cardinals entered into the strictly confidential proceedings of the conclave.
The process formally began at 4:30 p.m. Rome time, when the cardinals assembled in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace and processed into the Sistine Chapel. Two cardinal-electors were unable to attend due to illness.
To preserve the integrity of the process, cardinals surrendered all electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and temporary signal jammers have been installed to prevent any form of outside communication or surveillance. Each participant has taken an oath of secrecy.
Four ballots are scheduled for each full day of the conclave—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pope is elected.
Could an Irish-American Become Pope?
Speculation continues to mount around Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, the Irish-American Archbishop of New York, who has emerged as a potential papal contender. Cardinal Dolan, known for his charisma and strong leadership within the U.S. Catholic Church, has Irish ancestry tracing back to Counties Cavan and Leitrim. His great-grandparents emigrated to the United States during the Irish Famine in the mid-19th century.
A prominent and beloved figure among Irish-American Catholics, Cardinal Dolan frequently visits Ireland, particularly the Shrine at Knock, which he visits annually with a pilgrimage group from New York. A recent video of Dolan asking the public for prayers during the conclave has gone viral on social media. “I can’t talk to you until we see white smoke,” he said with a smile.
Though no cardinal currently residing in Ireland holds voting rights in this conclave, six cardinals of Irish descent are participating, including Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who holds the important role of Camerlengo and is responsible for overseeing the administrative matters during the sede vacante.
As the conclave resumes voting, anticipation remains high—within the Vatican and across the global Catholic community—for the emergence of the next spiritual leader of the Church.
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