Cardinals have gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the second day of the conclave to elect a new pope. The previous two votes have ended with black smoke, indicating that no new pope has been chosen. Thursday’s voting is highly anticipated, as the last two popes were both announced on the second day of the conclave.
Out of 252 cardinals, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. Currently, 135 cardinals meet this criterion, with 133 confirmed voting participants due to two cardinals not traveling to Rome for health reasons. A two-thirds majority, which is 89 votes out of the 133 eligible cardinals, is needed to elect a new pope. If no candidate reaches this threshold, another vote is held, with ballots burned after each round.
The voting process in the conclave occurs a maximum of four times per day, with each cardinal receiving a ballot to write in their chosen candidate. After swearing an oath and placing their votes in a chalice, the cardinals return to their seats. Those unable to walk to the altar due to illness have their ballots brought by scrutineers.
During downtime, the cardinals move between the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Sanctae Marthae for meals and rest. Social activities and reflections on the previous vote may take place at the Vatican guesthouse. Food during the conclave is reportedly plain and simple, reflecting Pope Francis’ emphasis on humility.
Overall, the conclave is a spiritual and sacred process, with time for informal conversations and alliance-making among the cardinals. Despite the guidance of the Holy Spirit, negotiations and coalition-building play a role in the selection of the new pope. Sebaliknya, dia memilih untuk tinggal di sebuah suite sederhana di Santa Marta (Santa Martha), di mana para kardinal pemilih saat ini menginap.
“Kamar ini tempat kita sekarang dulu adalah kamar tamu,” kata Paus Fransiskus dalam sebuah wawancara.
“Saya memilih untuk tinggal di sini, di Kamar 201… Apartemen kepausan di Istana Apostolik tidak mewah. Itu tua, dihias dengan rasa, dan besar, tapi tidak mewah. Tapi pada akhirnya, itu seperti corong terbalik. Itu besar dan luas, tapi pintunya sangat sempit. Orang bisa datang hanya secara perlahan, dan saya tidak bisa hidup tanpa orang lain. Saya perlu menjalani hidup saya dengan orang lain,” tambahnya.