By Michelle Powers
On the evening of May 7 in Rome, thousands of eyes were fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as black smoke billowed over the Vatican – signaling that the 133 cardinal electors inside have yet to choose a new pope.
“I have no words about it,” one member of the crowd told Currents News. “It was so awesome to see all the people, the reporters.”
Thousands of faithful and curious onlookers gathered in St. Peter’s Square hoping to catch a glimpse of history.
“I thought, or I had dreamed, that the smoke was white,” one onlooker said.
“We knew it was quite impossible, because no pope has been elected in the first election,” another said.
“I mean, everyone expected it to be black, I think so. They say that maybe tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow,” one viewer added.
There are two rounds of votes each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It’s not uncommon for the first few ballots to yield no results, but the crowd remains undeterred – and is lending their help where they can.
“We are happy because it’s our best way to stay together and link to God, because we are happy,” one pilgrim said.
The atmosphere was a mix of solemnity and happiness.
Until then, the world is watching and waiting.