The only conclave in which there has been 'white smoke' on the first day is the one who chose Pius XII

In the recent history of the Catholic Church there was only one case in which the election of the Supreme Pontiff took place during the first day of the selection process. In what year did it take place? Read more

In the recent history of the Church there has been only one case in which the ‘white smoker’ indicating the election of the new Pontiff took place during the first day of the conclave. Italian Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, Pius XII, obtained on 9 October 1958 the majority necessary for his election in the third round of votes on the same day as the beginning of the meeting. In the last conclave to elect Benedict XVI’s successor, when Pope Francis wa…