Vatican City: For the second straight day, black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the cardinal electors have not yet chosen a new pope in either the second or third rounds of voting.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first vote on Wednesday also ended without a decision, with the traditional black smoke informing the world that no candidate had achieved the required two-thirds majority. Following the morning's votes, the 133 cardinal electors headed to lunch at the Santa Marta residence, their temporary home during the conclave.
Two more voting rounds are expected later in the day, with another smoke signal to follow. Only when white smoke emerges will it signal the election of a new pontiff for the Church's 1.4 billion followers. The conclave follows the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, ending a 12-year papacy.