Election of a New Pope in Vatican City

SOURCE www.npr.org
Black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signals no new pope elected after three days of voting by the 133 cardinal electors. People from around the world gather in St. Peter's Square in anticipation of the historic event.

Key Points

  • 133 cardinal electors have not come to a two-thirds agreement after three days of voting
  • Scheduled to vote four times a day until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority
  • Crowd in St. Peter's Square waiting in anticipation for the election outcome

Pros

  • Historic event with global significance
  • Demonstrates the democratic process within the Roman Catholic Church

Cons

  • Uncertainty and prolonged period without a new pope