Conclave Enters Second Day Amid Global Anticipation

The Vatican's conclave to elect a new pope has entered its second day after the first round of voting ended inconclusively with black smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The 133 cardinal-electors, who are sequestered without access to phones or the internet, must reach a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes—to select the new pontiff. Four rounds of voting are scheduled each day, with smoke signals used to inform the public of the results: black for no decision and white for a successful election. This conclave, the largest and most globally diverse in history due to Pope Francis's appointments, reflects internal divisions between progressive and conservative factions within the Church. Tens of thousands of pilgrims are gathered in St Peter’s Square, awaiting news of the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. The process remains deeply secretive and solemn, with cardinals urged to set aside personal considerations and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.