Although not a practicing Catholic, Coco Gauff recognizes the significance of an event soon to occur just a short distance away at Vatican City.
Gauff commented on Tuesday during the Internazionali d’Italia tournament, stating, “I would attend because I believe it is an historic event.”
The Conclave to select Pope Francis`s successor, the fourth such meeting this century, is scheduled to commence on Wednesday. A group of 133 cardinals have assembled and will vote using paper ballots up to four times daily until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, requiring at least 90 votes.
Upon the election of a new Pope, white smoke (known as fumata bianca) emerges from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Following this signal, the Vatican makes the announcement, “Habemus Papam,” meaning “We have a Pope.”
Gauff mentioned, “We discussed it. I learned quite a bit as I wasn`t familiar with the Catholic religion. The concept of the smoke signal struck me as fascinating. Since we are in Rome, I would be keen to go and witness it firsthand and experience the atmosphere.”
Italian Catholics, among others, will be closely watching the process. Current betting favorites for the papacy include: 1) Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, 2) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and 3) Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. Cardinal Parolin, who serves as the Vatican`s Secretary of State, is characterized as an experienced diplomat with a practical approach appealing to moderate viewpoints.
Iga Swiatek also expressed enthusiasm about potentially seeing the white smoke.
Swiatek stated, “I would absolutely love to do that, just for the experience. I imagine it will be extremely crowded, with all of Rome likely paying attention. However, I`ll need to consider the logistics. Plus, we don`t know exactly when it will occur, do we? It could take some time, perhaps a few months. So, we`ll see.”
