The drama inside the Sistine Chapel is reaching a boiling point , but no one outside those ancient walls can see what’s really happening.
As cardinals from around the world follow centuries-old rituals to elect the next pope, the world holds its breath, eyes glued to the chimney that will soon puff either black smoke or the holy white signal that a new pontiff has been chosen.
Inside the chapel, things are unfolding like a secret ceremony from a medieval script. Nine cardinals have been picked at random ,a sacred lottery of sorts to serve in special roles: three Scrutineers oversee the vote, three Revisers double-check the math, and three Infirmarii collect ballots from any cardinal too sick to make the journey to the altar.
The process is strict and solemn. In order of seniority, the cardinals step up to the altar, hand their folded ballots to the Scrutineers, and walk away. If the number of ballots doesn’t match the number of voters? They burn the whole lot and start again.
When the count is right, the first Scrutineer opens each vote and reads the name silently before passing it down the line. The final Scrutineer reads the name aloud and threads each ballot onto a string with the word Eligo (Latin for “I elect”) pierced through the paper. It’s old-world theater with divine consequences.
Meanwhile, in St. Peter’s Square, emotions are boiling over too. From tears to silent prayers, the atmosphere is electric. One Ukrainian woman stood holding a handwritten sign with a single word: Peace.
With hearts full and eyes skyward, the faithful now wait , for the smoke, the signal, the sign from God.
