Papal Election Continues: Cardinals Again in Secret Meeting

Shortly before noon, black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel - a sign that no name received the necessary two-thirds majority in the vote.

As on Wednesday, the day of the first ballot, thousands of people came to St. Peter's Square on Thursday at midday to witness the news. When the smoke rose, many believers applauded. Two more rounds of voting are scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

In the afternoon, two more ballots are to follow. When a new pope is elected, white smoke will rise - and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica will ring. A short conclave of only a few days is expected in the Vatican.

The fourth and fifth votes on a new pope begin at 4:00 PM. If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots from both rounds will be burned together around 7:00 PM.

If the first ballot in the afternoon is successful, the ballots will be burned immediately. Then white smoke could rise between 5:30 and 6:00 PM - and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica will ring. A short conclave of only a few days was expected in the Vatican beforehand.

Pilgrims Waited in St. Peter's Square for the Election Result

Many pilgrims waited in St. Peter's Square for the election result. In Rome, the papal electors from around the world convened again on Thursday to continue the election of a new Pontiff. After a joint mass in the Pauline Chapel, the 133 cardinals, strictly shielded from the outside world, proceeded to the Sistine Chapel. As expected, a first ballot on Wednesday evening did not bring the required two-thirds majority for any candidate.

O'Malley: "Papal Election is Not a Hollywood Conclave"

"In a conclave, things do not work like in the political world, with parties. It is a matter of faith. We all want the Pope that God wants to be elected. We trust in the Holy Spirit to help us find him. It is a very spiritual experience, not a Hollywood conclave," said Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, who is not eligible to vote this time due to his age, in an interview with the Milan daily "Corriere della Sera" on Thursday. The US Cardinal was appointed by Pope Francis as the chairman of the papal commission for the protection of minors and was the Archbishop of Boston from 2003 to 2024.

Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re expressed hope that the Pope would be elected on Thursday. The new Pope must "first and foremost try to strengthen faith in God in this world, which is characterized by technological progress." "However, from a spiritual aspect, we have noticed a certain 'forgetfulness of God.' Therefore, an awakening is necessary," said the 91-year-old, who is no longer allowed to participate in the election due to age, according to media reports.

(APA/Red)

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