Catholics Worldwide Watch as Conclave Begins in Vatican City

VATICAN CITY, (KBSI) – Anticipation is rising across the Catholic world as the conclave to elect the next pope begins. Cardinals have entered the Sistine Chapel and the doors have been closed, marking the official start of the papal election process.

Crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square, watching for the traditional smoke signals that will reveal the outcome of each vote.

Inside the Vatican, 133 cardinals are participating in the sacred process. On the first day of the conclave, only one round of voting occurs. In the days that follow, cardinals will vote four times daily until a two-thirds majority is reached to elect the 268th pope.

Black smoke has already risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that no decision has been made yet. White smoke will signal that a new pope has been chosen.

Nearby, faithful pilgrims and visitors shared their hopes for the future leader of the Catholic Church.

“Someone that’s very much like Francis — humble,” one visitor told CNN. “I’m hoping the next pope will be more like Saint Pope John Paul II and help unify the Church.”

Father Daniel Belken, director of worship for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, emphasized the uniqueness of the conclave process.

“We were actually able to see the black smoke emerging for the first time, which means no one’s been chosen yet — at least not definitively by the two-thirds majority they need,” Belken said. “What we’ve seen is a foreshadowing of the events that will unfold over the next few days.”

Belken added that the papal election stands apart from other types of voting.

“It’s a unique time. Everyone’s excited — we don’t quite know what to expect,” he said. “We’re so used to American democratic elections where we all have a vote. This is different. We’re watching a group of individuals deliberate with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

While no decision has been announced, Catholics around the globe remain hopeful that a new pope will be selected by the end of the week.