Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling that the cardinals have not yet elected a new pope as the secretive Vatican conclave continues into its second day.
Black smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, indicating that the College of Cardinals has not yet agreed on a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church.
Thousands of onlookers gathered in St. Peter’s Square, watching as the smoke rose shortly before noon local time (1000 GMT). The signal followed an inconclusive vote by the 133 cardinals under the age of 80, who began the conclave on Wednesday and are locked in total isolation until a new pope is chosen.
The smoke, generated by burning the cardinals’ ballots mixed with special chemicals, plays a key role in the centuries-old ritual. Black smoke means no consensus has been reached, while white smoke heralds the election of a new pontiff.
Cardinals held the first ballot on Wednesday evening, as tradition dictates. On Thursday, they are expected to conduct two votes in the afternoon, with more smoke anticipated around 5:30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT).
Known as the “princes of the Church,” the cardinals may cast up to four votes per day until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
Historically, no pope in modern times has been elected on the first ballot. Both Pope Francis, elected in 2013, and his predecessor, Benedict XVI, chosen in 2005, were selected on the evening of the second day — making a similar outcome this week plausible.
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Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
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