The Vatican's Smoky Signal: A New Pope Isn't Chosen Yet

The Vatican is buzzing with anticipation, but no new pope has been chosen yet. The cardinals, who are responsible for electing the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, have been locked away in the Sistine Chapel. They are voting in secret, with no communication allowed with the outside world. This means no phones, no internet, and definitely no leaks. Breaking this rule results in a serious punishment: being kicked out of the church forever. The cardinals are staying at the Santa Marta residence inside the Vatican. They will keep voting until they agree on a new pope. The rest of the world's 1. 4 billion Catholics are waiting patiently. They have no idea who the next leader will be, or when he will be chosen. The cardinals have taken an oath of secrecy. They will not reveal any details about the voting process or the candidates. The process of choosing a new pope is not quick. It can take several days, or even weeks. The cardinals vote in rounds, with up to four rounds per day. If no one is chosen by the fifth day, they take a break for prayer and reflection. This conclave is different from others. The late Pope Francis made changes to the College of Cardinals. He appointed cardinals from all over the world, not just from certain dioceses. This means that many of the cardinals do not know each other. They had to wear name badges during their meetings before the conclave. The choice of the new pope is not just about who is the most popular. It is about who can lead the church through its current challenges. The Catholic Church has been rocked by sexual abuse scandals. Many believe that deep reforms are needed. The cardinals are divided into two main groups. One group wants to continue with the reforms of the late Pope Francis. The other group wants to return to a more traditional papacy. The outcome of the conclave will depend on which group can gain the most support. Outside the Vatican, thousands of people gathered to watch the smoke signals. They knew that black smoke meant no new pope had been chosen. Some were disappointed, but others were hopeful. They will return to the Vatican's St. Peter's Square the next day to watch the smoke signals again. The process of choosing a new pope is a long one, but it is an important one. It shapes the future of the Catholic Church and its 1. 4 billion followers.