How you are seeing a circus atmosphere is beyond me. I see thousands of people praying for the pope. With respect and reverence.
The circus hasn't started. People are being respectful. When the conclave gathers, it will be circus time...with endless talking heads spouting off stuff they can't know, I suspect. I suspect they are all going over their list of who THEY think are candidates...getting ready to drive us all to distraction.
The statement released from the Vicar said "This evening Christ opens the door to this Pope."