Cardinals Resume Voting in Historic Conclave to El...

Cardinals Resume Voting in Historic Conclave to Elect Pope Francis' Successor

Zim Now Writer

Roman Catholic cardinals resumed voting for a successor to the late Pope Francis, marking the continuation of the largest and most geographically diverse conclave in history. After beginning the highly ritualized and secretive election process on Wednesday, the cardinals were locked away in complete isolation, with black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney that evening, signaling an inconclusive first ballot.

However, given the recent history of papal elections, no pope has been elected on the first attempt, so a result is likely to emerge after multiple rounds of voting. If needed, the cardinals will conduct two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon, continuing until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries are participating in this conclave, an increase from 115 cardinals representing 48 countries in the 2013 election. This expansion reflects efforts by Pope Francis to enhance the global reach of the Church. The conclave comes just weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013 after five rounds of voting, and his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, who was chosen in 2005 after only four votes.

While no clear frontrunners have emerged, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s number two under Pope Francis, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered leading candidates. Other potential papabili include France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost, and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Cardinals have offered various perspectives on what they hope to see in the next pope. Some favor continuity with Pope Francis’ relatively liberal pontificate, characterized by a focus on openness and reform, while others call for a return to more traditional practices. Many have expressed a desire for a more predictable and measured pontificate, signaling the complex dynamics at play as they navigate the election process.

During the conclave, the cardinals are sworn to secrecy and cut off from the outside world. Their phones and computers are confiscated, and they are escorted between the Sistine Chapel for voting and Vatican guesthouses for meals and rest.