Pope: Cardinal-electors return to Sistine Chapel for new pope – official

Director of Public Communications, Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, on Thursday confirmed that, the 133 Cardinal-electors for the new Pope would return to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.

This development comes after their first ballot on Wednesday failed to produce a new pope.

Godono, who spoke in an interview with our reporter described the process as “flawless” as the cardinals decisions were being directed by the Holy Spirit.

The Lagos archdiocesan communications director spoke on the process, saying that after the first ballot, no Pope was elected and that the trend had been for centuries.

“Today May 8, the Cardinal-electors will return this morning to continue with voting until a Pope is elected.

“The Cardinals are expected to two rounds of votes this morning and two more in the evening if we do not have a Pope elected in this morning session.

“Black smoke emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening, indicating no new pope was elected during the first round of voting.

“One hundred and thirty-three red-robed cardinals from around the world have filed into the Sistine Chapel to the strains of a choir backed by organ music, and the doors were sealed behind them.

“The papal conclave — a centuries-old tradition to elect a new head of the Catholic Church,” he said.

He said that the announcement of a new pope will be made with white smoke billowing from the Apostolic Palace. Soon after, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony to greet his flock.

The cardinal electors faced a stark choice to select a pope who would follow in the footsteps of late Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who would guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.

It was reported that the meticulously selection process has kept the world in suspense for weeks after the demise of Pope Francis.