REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. -- Catholic leaders on Delmarva say they are looking forward to the election of a new pope as the 2025 papal conclave kicked off on Wednesday.
Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney Wednesday afternoon, signaling that a pope was not elected on the first day of conclave. This means the 133 cardinal electors from around the world gathered in Rome will reconvene on Thursday to cast their ballots again. To be elected pope, a candidate must garner two-thirds of the votes plus one.
WBOC spoke with leaders at St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach.
"I always say the church is a slow-moving train, and every decision they make affects 1.4 billion people," says Father William Cocco. "So, sometimes it doesn't move as fast as I think people would like. But there's an obligation to make sure things are done the correct way that Christ wanted."
Others in the church agree that time is not the most important aspect of the process.
"You should have a leader who should not be influenced by the world, but a leader who should lead a world," says Reverend Emmanuel Dolphyne. "The new pope should always be a unifier; someone who draws people together."
"I hope he is certainly present to everyone in the world," adds Father Cocco. "But it is always nice when the Holy Father visits. It would be great to have him visit the United States, and certainly, if he wants to come to see the area, we'd love to have him."
For the conclave, if there is no two-thirds majority after three days of voting, the process is paused for a day to allow the cardinals to pray and discuss their options.