During the ongoing papal conclave to elect a new pope, cardinals are engaged in more than just voting sessions in the Sistine Chapel. As they await the outcome of each vote, which has thus far resulted in black smoke signaling that no pope has been elected, the cardinals follow a structured routine.
Out of 252 cardinals, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate, resulting in 133 confirmed voters after two chose to remain absent due to health issues. A two-thirds majority of 89 votes is required for a new pope to be elected. In the event of another inconclusive vote, the cardinals regroup to deliberate on their next steps.
The voting process itself is formal and steeped in tradition. Each cardinal casts their vote by writing the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot that they carry to the altar. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned to signal the outcome, with black smoke indicating no election has taken place.
In between voting sessions, cardinals return to the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where they have meals, rest, and engage in discussions. This time is crucial for forming alliances and reflecting on voting patterns, potentially influencing future votes. Experts suggest that these informal settings provide ample opportunity for negotiation and coalition-building, as well as spiritual reflection.
The accommodations and meals for the cardinals during the conclave are notably modest, largely reflecting Pope Francis’s emphasis on simplicity and humility. Reports indicate that the food is typically basic, featuring dishes like pasta and soup, which some cardinals have noted as uninspired. However, the simplicity aligns with the pope’s ethos of living humbly.
As the conclave continues, there remains a hopeful anticipation among the faithful for a new leader who will guide the Church through its challenges. The conclave’s process, steeped in centuries of tradition, embodies the Catholic Church’s spiritual and communal values, aiming ultimately for divine guidance in the election of the new pontiff.