As of this afternoon, anticipation continues to build in Vatican City as black smoke once again emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the cardinals have not yet elected a new pope. The ongoing conclave, convened after the passing of Pope Francis, has now entered its second day, with several rounds of voting completed but no candidate reaching the required two-thirds majority.
Thousands of faithful and curious onlookers have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, their eyes fixed on the iconic chimney for the moment when white smoke will announce the successful election of the next leader of the Catholic Church. Inside the chapel, 133 cardinal electors remain in strict seclusion, deliberating over the future direction of the Church.
Among the leading contenders are Cardinals Pietro Parolin of Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Peter Erdo of Hungary, though the outcome remains uncertain. Security remains tight around the Vatican, and the world waits for the historic announcement that will shape the future of Catholicism.
Updates will follow as the conclave continues and the world watches for the next signal from the Sistine Chapel.
