Each round of voting is signaled by smoke from the chapel’s chimney: black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke—fumata bianca—signifies that a new pope has been chosen.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with the number of cardinal electors capped at 120.
These electors must swear an oath of secrecy and remain sequestered until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority vote. Typically, four ballots are cast each day. Pope Francis himself was elected in just two days in 2013.
A Global Farewell: World Leaders Respond
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, has assumed temporary administrative duties. This includes overseeing the certification of Pope Francis’ death and the ceremonial placement of his body into a coffin. This formal process is rooted in centuries of Church tradition and symbolism.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, including former President Donald Trump, who announced he would be attending the funeral in Rome with former First Lady Melania Trump.
