Second round of voting in papal conclave results in black smoke No pope elected yet

The ongoing papal conclave has entered its second round of voting in the Sistine Chapel, with 133 cardinal-electors in total isolation as they continue the process to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church.

Following two votes in the morning session, black smoke emerged from the chapel's furnace, signalling that no candidate had received the required two-thirds majority, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

This marks another unsuccessful round, as the conclave seeks to determine who will succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

The first vote on Wednesday lasted over three hours but failed to yield a result. The cardinals remain in strict isolation and under a vow of confidentiality, with their only means of communicating with the outside world being the smoke signals that billow from the chimney.

Roman authorities reported that up to 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch for the smoke signal, as the anticipation grows over who will be the next pope. The first round of voting has historically never been successful, and this conclave is shaping up to be the largest one in history, with the quorum set at a high threshold of 89 votes.

The cardinals will continue voting throughout the day, with two more votes scheduled before the evening. In total, the cardinals can vote up to 34 rounds if necessary before a pope is elected. Once the necessary votes are achieved, white smoke will billow from the Apostolic Palace, signalling the selection of a new pope. The new pontiff will then appear on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to address the faithful.

Speculation over the next pope has been rife since before Pope Francis's death, with more than 20 potential candidates (or papabili) being discussed. In recent days, Robert Prevost, a moderate cardinal from the US, has gained momentum as a leading contender. Known for his “solid judgment and a keen capacity to listen,” Prevost’s profile continues to rise as the conclave progresses.

As the conclave continues in secrecy, the Catholic world awaits the crucial moment when the white smoke will signal the election of the 267th pope.

By Tamilla Hasanova