Black smoke rose once again from the Vatican on Thursday, indicating that the cardinals had failed to elect a new pope in the morning’s two voting rounds. The cardinals took a midday break and are expected to return to the Sistine Chapel this afternoon for the fourth round—and possibly a fifth.
What it takes to elect a pope:
There are 133 cardinals eligible to vote, all currently locked in the Vatican for the conclave. To be elected as the new pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote. Voting will continue until a new leader of the Catholic Church is chosen.
Eyes on the chimney:
Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered in the Vatican are watching the chapel’s chimney intently. The rising black smoke signals no agreement among the cardinals. When white smoke appears, it will mean a new pope has been elected.
