VATICAN: Anticipation builds up as black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney for the second time

Record ID: 862618

  • Title: VATICAN: Anticipation builds up as black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney for the second time
  • Date: 13th March 2013
  • Summary: SLATE INFORMATION
  • Embargoed: 28th March 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Vatican City State
  • City:
  • Country: Vatican City State
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVAAH7907PKQIU1FKL2SX5D22YWQ
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  • Story Text: Black smoke rose from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel on Wednesday (March 13), signalling Roman Catholic cardinals had not agreed on a pope to succeed Benedict on their first full morning of voting in a secret conclave.
    Cardinals held an initial ballot on Tuesday (March 12) and held two more on Wednesday morning, with the black smoke showing that both were inconclusive, to the disappointment of crowds gathered in the nearby St. Peter's Square.
    Many, however, found the experience moving.
    "I am very moved. I can't wait to see the new pope who will unite the whole world," said German pilgrim Silvia.
    "We are very confident that very soon we will be seeing the white smoke. We are pleased and confident that the new pope will be elected with the enlightened Holy Spirit, it is the Holy Spirit who makes the decision and we need to be confident that things will get better," said Mexican pilgrim Margarita Gonzalez who lives in San Diego, United States.
    "Very moved. Because we are waiting for the new pope whom we hope will be Brazilian," added Brazilian pilgrim Renata Savino Da Silva.
    For the pilgrims, tourists and residents of Rome waiting expectantly in St Peter´s Square, the black smoke meant they would have to return in the evening.
    "Well they didn't select the pope so hopefully they'll do it tonight so we'll come back tonight, at seven o'clock to see if the smoke is white," said tourist Matt Westover from Boston in the United States.
    Another two rounds of voting were due to be held in the afternoon. The 115 cardinals will remain sequestered in the Vatican until they elect the Church's 266th pontiff.
    When they agree on a pope, white smoke will rise from the chimney and the bells of St Peter's basilica will ring.
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