During the papal conclave, when cardinals are not voting, they engage in prayer, reflection, and essential discussions about the qualities they seek in a new pope. There are 133 voting eligible cardinals, and the goal is to reach a two-thirds majority of 89 votes. Voting occurs four times a day, and ballots are burned to signal the outcome. The previous voting rounds resulted in black smoke, meaning no pope was elected. The process is highly symbolic and reflects the Church's deeper discussions and spiritual focus amid the voting process.
As the cardinals awaited the next voting session, they spent time in prayer, reflection, and discussions on the qualities needed in the next pope, fostering a spirit of unity.
The smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney serve not only to inform the public of the outcome but also to represent the collective hopes and prayers of the Church.
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