Cardinals Enter Day Two of Voting for New Pope
Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday night, signaling that the first vote by the Cardinals ended without a new pope. Thousands waited in St. Peter's Square, watching the flue for signs of white smoke—an indication that a pontiff had been chosen—but none came. The single vote took longer than expected, with the smoke finally appearing more than three hours after the conclave began.
The 133 cardinals under the age of 80 are now deep into day two of the secretive voting process. On Thursday morning, they gathered for early prayers before returning to the chapel to cast ballots in what could be up to four rounds of voting per day. A two-thirds majority—89 votes—is needed to elect the next pope, and while there was no expectation of a result on the first day, many believe a decision could come as soon as today or tomorrow. Candidates include Italy’s Pietro Parolin, the Philippines’ Luis Tagle, and France’s Jean-Marc Aveline.
Security inside the Vatican is tight, with the Sistine Chapel sealed and swept for surveillance devices. Cardinals surrender their phones and are cut off from all communication with the outside world upon entering at the start of the conclave. As they continue deliberations, speculation remains over whether the Church will lean toward continuity with Francis’ reformist agenda or swing back to traditionalism. Either way, the world waits for the white smoke that signals the beginning of a new papacy.
