Vatican Conclave Deadlocked Without New Pope
Vatican City – A cloud of black smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling that the College of Cardinals has yet to agree on a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. With 133 cardinals in attendance, the highly secretive conclave entered its first round without a result.
The election continues Thursday, with up to four voting rounds scheduled. A quick decision is possible, though history suggests it may take days—or even weeks—for the cardinals to reach the required two-thirds majority. When that moment comes, white smoke will rise from the chapel’s chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica will ring out, announcing the birth of a new papacy.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti to Deliver Iconic Announcement
Should a pope be chosen, it will be Cardinal Dominique Mamberti who steps onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare “Habemus papam”—“We have a pope.” The 73-year-old Frenchman, serving as Cardinal Protodeacon, holds the honor of presenting the next spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics to the world.
Born in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1952 and raised on Corsica, Mamberti was ordained in Ajaccio in 1981. His career in the Vatican's diplomatic service began shortly after, with international postings leading up to his role as the Holy See’s foreign minister from 2006 to 2014. Pope Francis later appointed him to preside over the Vatican’s highest court.
As the world watches, the ancient ritual of papal succession continues—steeped in tradition, shrouded in secrecy, and unfolding beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling.
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