Black Smoke Clouds the Vatican Again

For the second consecutive day, the iconic black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals gathered in a secret conclave have yet to elect a new pope. Thousands of eager supporters and curious onlookers crowded Saint Peter's Square on Thursday, anxiously awaiting news after the latest round of voting.

The Elusive Majority

Two initial ballots conducted over the last two mornings saw no candidate secure the required two-thirds majority. The cardinals, numbering 133 and representing about 70 countries, will continue their daily voting sessions, casting two ballots each morning and afternoon until a new spiritual leader is chosen to guide the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

Inside the Conclave: Secrecy and Anticipation

The cardinals have been sequestered from the outside world since the death of Pope Francis on April 21, and their mobile phones were surrendered to ensure complete confidentiality. Airwaves around the Vatican have been jammed, creating an atmosphere of intense anticipation.

Timing the Votes: Why the Delay?

After the first round of inconclusive voting, which took place the previous evening, the smoke appeared around 11:50 AM local time (09:50 GMT) following the second and third votes. This has sparked questions among the faithful: What is causing the delay? 'They probably need more time,' speculated Costanza Ranaldi, a visitor from Pescara, Italy.

The Relevance of History

While many had anticipated a brief conclave to succeed Pope Francis, the reality may differ. Historical records show that past conclaves have taken anywhere from three to 14 ballots to select a new pope. For instance, John Paul I was elected on the fourth ballot in 1978, while his successor, John Paul II, required eight rounds.

What’s Next?

The cardinals will return to their Vatican residences for lunch before reconvening for more votes. As the faithful and observers await further news, the clock is ticking on who will become the next pontiff, marking a pivotal moment in the Church's history.