Rome Waits

Rome woke up under a leaden sky. As one might expect, many faithful pilgrims, and curious onlookers are still gathering in St. Peter’s Square, hoping to catch sight of the white smoke. This morning’s two ballots ended without a result.

Yesterday, everyone was surprised by the delay in the smoke signal (black), which was perceived as unusually late. Various explanations for this delay have been considered, but the truth will probably remain unknown.

From early morning, the press has been taking their positions, ready for the possibility of a papal election. This year, by chance, I am also involved as a commentator for Inside the Vatican magazine, and so I am following the conclave from a media perspective. I see many journalists here whom I had previously only seen on video.

At this moment, it’s difficult to make any predictions, but there are those who expect white smoke this evening—this is also the hope of Cardinal Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. If no pope is elected tonight, tomorrow’s ballots could lead us down more difficult paths. I believe that if the election happens today, the new pope could be one of the names considered likely before the conclave began. But if the election takes place tomorrow, I wouldn’t be so sure. And if no pope is elected even tomorrow, then we should prepare for major surprises—and not necessarily pleasant ones. I’ve come to see that, in reality, there is a great deal of uncertainty, even among the most attentive Vatican observers.

In of me lies St. Peter’s Square, which I can see from above. The crowd is growing as they await either black or white smoke. Before my eyes is the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, from which the new pope will be announced, beneath a beautiful Roman sky. Rome, as always, waits.