Beneath the shadow of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, visitors from around the world are gathering with eyes fixed skyward, waiting for a puff of white smoke and the first sign of a new pope.
“We came for the jubilee year,” said Theresa Lacsina, 74, visiting from Maryland. “Perfect timing for the conclave, it just so happened the conclave happens on our week here,” she said.
Linda Anden, 79, from Canada, said she and her companions are looking for an “older” pope to be elected.
“We’re hoping for an older pope,” she said. “Cardinal Tagle is one of the favorites, but we hope for an older pope. That’s why we’re not hoping for him.”
“We’re hoping to see the white smoke this evening,” added Jo Dawang, 75, also from Canada.
For now, the square remains in suspense, as the world waits for the chimney’s next signal.