Roman Catholic cardinals have continued voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope.
The conclave, which began on Wednesday, follows a tradition of strict secrecy and ritual.
Cardinals are completely cut off from the outside world, their phones and computers surrendered as they move between the Sistine Chapel for voting and Vatican accommodations for meals and rest.
On Wednesday evening, Black smoke emerged from the chapel chimney indicating that no candidate secured the necessary two-thirds majority during the first ballot.
Another round of voting commenced on Thursday but no results yet.
Also read: https://www.tvcnews.tv/papal-conclave-black-smoke-on-second-voting-no-pope-elected/
When a decision is reached, White smoke would signal the election of a new Pope.
Historically, no pope has been elected on the first ballot in modern times.
Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after five rounds over two days, while Benedict XVI was chosen in four rounds. Up to four ballots can be held each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until one cardinal secures the required majority.
This conclave reflects the global expansion of the Church under Francis’s leadership, growing from 115 cardinal electors from 48 countries in 2013 to 133 from 70 nations today.
While no clear frontrunner has emerged, potential candidates include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State under Francis, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Other widely discussed contenders—or “papabili”—include France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost, and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Thousands are gathered in St. Peter’s Square watching for the smoke signal that would announce a new pontiff. For now, the world waits.
