Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel have entered the second day of the secretive papal conclave, still searching for a successor to Pope Francis.
On Wednesday evening, black smoke billowed from the chapel’s iconic chimney, an ancient signal to the faithful waiting in St Peter’s Square that no new pope had yet been chosen. The result followed a first round of voting that lasted about three hours.
The 133 voting cardinals spent the night sequestered within the Vatican, where they remain cut off from all outside contact.
What Next?
Thursday morning, they attended Mass and shared breakfast before resuming deliberations behind closed doors.
No phones, newspapers, or internet access are permitted during the conclave, preserving the sacred tradition of secrecy.
A new pope will only be announced when white smoke rises from the chimney, an event watched closely by millions of Catholics around the world.
Could the announcement come on Saturday?
