Cardinal Sir John Ribat voted in the papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, representing Catholics from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. The first round resulted in no election, with votes continuing into subsequent rounds. Thousands await the outcome as the cardinals deliberate behind closed doors in the Vatican.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the Pacific, Cardinal Sir John Ribat represented the faithful of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands by casting his first vote in the papal conclave. This crucial assembly of 133 cardinals convened to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis. The initial round of voting commenced yesterday, followed by four additional rounds last night, with potential for further ballots if a pope was not selected. A new pope could be announced early today, yet the process may extend into the evening if necessary.
As millions of Catholics globally await the announcement of the new pope, it appears that the conclave’s first ballot did not yield a selection. Approximately 45,000 supporters filled St. Peter’s Square, eagerly anticipating news following an expected update after 7 PM Wednesday. Ultimately, the anxious crowd had to wait until 9 PM before black smoke, signaling an unfruitful election, billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
The cardinals took their oaths before proceeding with their vote, a move in which Cardinal Ribat participated (depicted in accompanying images). While commotion unfolded in the square, Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko, from Tanzania, expressed the purpose of the assembly: “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.”
He emphasized the broader need for a pious leader. “Wherever the new Pope comes from, whether it’s Africa, Asia, America, what we need is we need a holy Pope,” he stated earnestly. Voting resumed last night and continued today for the second round as thousands gathered outside the Vatican, their spirits high yet anxious.
The Papal Conclave involves cardinals under 80, whom the Pope appointed. The number of voting cardinals can vary depending on the time of the conclave. For this gathering, 133 were in attendance. The term “conclave” itself derives from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” reflecting the tradition of locking the doors of the papal apartments and Sistine Chapel during the voting process.
As crucial deliberation unfolds in the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will continue to cast their votes until one candidate achieves the necessary two-thirds majority to become the new pope. Following the election, the newly chosen leader will select a papal name and be introduced to the world, marking the beginning of a new era for the Church.
Cardinal Sir John Ribat’s participation in the ongoing papal conclave marks an important moment for two nations, as the world watches for the election of a new leader for the Catholic Church. The conclave’s proceedings reflect the solemnity and significance of this pivotal process. As votes are cast, the hope for a holy leader resonates not just in St. Peter’s Square, but across the global Catholic community.
Original Source: www.postcourier.com.pg
