Although not a practicing Catholic, Coco Gauff is aware that something significant is set to occur just a few kilometers away in Vatican City.
“I`d go because I feel it`s an historic event,” Gauff commented on Tuesday during the Internazionali d`Italia tournament.
The Conclave to elect Pope Francis`s successor, the fourth this century, commenced on Wednesday. One hundred thirty-three cardinals convened and will vote using paper ballots up to four times daily until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, requiring at least 90 votes in this instance.
Upon the election of a successor, white smoke (fumata bianca) emerges from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The Vatican then proclaims Habemus Papam, meaning “We have a Pope.”
“We discussed it,” Gauff stated. “I learned a lot since I`m unfamiliar with the Catholic faith. I found the whole smoke signal idea fascinating. I`d like to go see it and experience the atmosphere while we`re in Rome.”
Italian Catholics are expected to follow the proceedings with particular interest. The current betting favorites are listed as: 1) Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, 2) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and 3) Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. Parolin, currently the Vatican`s Secretary of State, is characterized as an experienced diplomat known for a pragmatic approach appealing to moderates.
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is also enthusiastic about potentially witnessing the white smoke.
“I would absolutely love to do that, just for the experience,” Swiatek commented. “I expect it to be extremely crowded. I believe all of Rome will be paying attention. However, I`ll need to consider the logistics. Plus, we don`t know exactly when it will occur, right? It could take a few days or even longer. So, we`ll have to wait and see.”
Rupert Caldwell