After nine days of mourning when Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 133 cardinals representing 70 countries gathered behind closed doors on Wednesday, with Conclave electing a new leader in the Catholic Church.
Separated from the outside world where mobile phones and communications are inaccessible, the Conclave – the 2,000-year history of the most geographically diverse Catholic Church – follows centuries-old rituals within the Sisten Chapel to determine who will guide 1.4 billion faithful people.
The first vote that came late Wednesday was no, judging by the thick clouds of black smoke above St. Peter’s Square.
Starting Thursday, up to two votes will be held in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The Cardinals said they expect a short conclave this week, but they said they will need at least a few votes.
In the past century, three to eight votes have been made to find the Pope. Pope John Paul I – who reigned over the Pope for 33 days in 1978 – was voted for the third time. His successor, Pope John Paul II, needed eight. Pope Francis was elected fifth in 2013.
As your first day for Conclave, revisit our live blog for updates, analysis and insights from Euroneuz journalists across Europe.
