(Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
The College of Cardinals has failed to elect a new Pope as the papal conclave in Vatican City enters its second day. On Wednesday morning, black smoke once again billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no candidate received the required two-thirds majority vote.
The cardinals, gathered from around the world, began voting on Tuesday following the resignation of Pope Francis, who stepped down citing health reasons. The conclave is held under strict secrecy, with all 115 cardinal electors sequestered until a decision is reached.
Black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new pontiff. As of now, no front-runner has emerged publicly, although speculation continues about possible candidates from Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
The Vatican has not released any official comments, urging the faithful to continue praying for divine guidance in the selection of the next spiritual leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
Voting will resume later today with up to four rounds of balloting expected.
