At 21:00 on Wednesday night, black smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the conclave had held its first ballot and that no Pope had been elected.
It was anticipated that the news would be made after 7 p.m., and about 45,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square to await it. They ultimately had to wait till nine o’clock.
Among those in the square was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania. Speaking to Vatican News, he said: “Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process.”
“Wherever the new Pope comes from”, Deacon Nkoronko stressed, “whether it’s Africa, Asia, America, what we need is we need a holy Pope. We need a Pope who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church.”
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
