Cardinal Sir John Ribat voted for the first time at the papal conclave to succeed Pope Francis. Voting began with no Pope elected in the first ballot, indicated by black smoke. The conclave continues as cardinals gather to determine the new leader for millions of Catholics globally.
Cardinal Sir John Ribat of Papua New Guinea made a significant mark recently by casting his first-ever vote during the conclave of cardinals tasked with electing a new Pope. This gathering of 133 cardinals took place following the passing of Pope Francis, with Sir Ribat proudly representing both Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The voting commenced on a Wednesday, comprised of multiple rounds, leaving many to speculate about whom the new leader of the Catholic Church would be.
As the voting unfolded, an oath was administered to the cardinals, a solemn reminder of the gravity of their task. On the first evening of voting, results were eagerly awaited by thousands who had gathered at St. Peter’s Square. Yet, despite the anticipation, no Pope emerged from the first ballot. Only hours later, black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, a clear sign that the initial vote had not yielded the desired outcome of selecting a successor.
The scene outside the Vatican was busy with hopeful faces, including Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania. He remarked about the importance of prayer during this pivotal moment, asserting that the wish is clear: “Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians.
As anticipation builds around the next rounds of voting, the process will continue until a new Pope is elected by a two-thirds majority. The conclave represents a deeper tradition in the Catholic faith, aiming to honor the legacy of leadership that shapes the Church’s future. As Cardinal Ribat and his fellow cardinals deliberate, millions around the world wait eagerly to hear who will take on the mantle of the 267th Pope, reflecting their hopes and spiritual needs in their leader.
Original Source: www.postcourier.com.pg
