Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel once again on Thursday, marking the second day of voting in the papal conclave without a clear decision. Expectation had been high for a swift outcome in light of historical precedents, yet the 133 cardinals remain unable to reach the necessary two-thirds majority to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
Live Updates: Cardinals Struggle to Reach Consensus as Papal Conclave Continues

Live Updates: Cardinals Struggle to Reach Consensus as Papal Conclave Continues
The conclave to select the next pope remains contentious, with black smoke signaling no decision after multiple rounds of voting on Thursday.
The initial ballot concluded Wednesday evening without success, prolonging what has already become a lengthy deliberation process. Cardinal electors have convened again with plans for additional rounds of voting throughout the day. The scene in St. Peter's Square mirrored the anticipation of a potential announcement, evidenced by gasps and murmurs as observers witnessed the familiar black smoke billow from the chapel chimney.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York had projected a longer conclave this time due to the lack of familiarity among newly appointed cardinals. His preparation signifies awareness of the potential drawn-out nature of the vote, as experience from historic conclaves suggests a need for decision-making cohesion.
This ongoing process highlights fractures within the church, pitting conservative candidates against progressive ideals birthed through Pope Francis's tenure. Many anticipate that the choice made by cardinals could signal a direction toward either continuity or change.
As the conclave remains under tight secrecy, security measures ensure that voting continues behind closed doors, bolstered by centuries of tradition meant to uphold the sanctity of this decision.
In the coming hours, the weight of expectation will remain on the shoulders of the cardinal body as they strive to elect the future leader of the Catholic Church.
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This article summarizes the ongoing voting process in the papal conclave, highlighting the challenges faced by the cardinals in reaching a consensus while underscoring the historical context and current expectations. If you are interested in specific candidates or which issues divide the cardinals, let me know, and I can expand on that.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York had projected a longer conclave this time due to the lack of familiarity among newly appointed cardinals. His preparation signifies awareness of the potential drawn-out nature of the vote, as experience from historic conclaves suggests a need for decision-making cohesion.
This ongoing process highlights fractures within the church, pitting conservative candidates against progressive ideals birthed through Pope Francis's tenure. Many anticipate that the choice made by cardinals could signal a direction toward either continuity or change.
As the conclave remains under tight secrecy, security measures ensure that voting continues behind closed doors, bolstered by centuries of tradition meant to uphold the sanctity of this decision.
In the coming hours, the weight of expectation will remain on the shoulders of the cardinal body as they strive to elect the future leader of the Catholic Church.
---
This article summarizes the ongoing voting process in the papal conclave, highlighting the challenges faced by the cardinals in reaching a consensus while underscoring the historical context and current expectations. If you are interested in specific candidates or which issues divide the cardinals, let me know, and I can expand on that.