The 133 cardinals who entered the conclave failed to reach a two-thirds supermajority of at least 89 votes to elect a new pope during today’s morning session.

On the second day of voting, two rounds of ballots were scheduled: the first two in the morning after Mass and a brief prayer at 9:30 a.m. and then another two, if needed, after 4 p.m. (Rome time).

Thick plumes of black smoke appeared from a chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 a.m. to indicate no winners emerged during the morning session. A quick burst of applause broke out among the crowds that had gathered in the square when the smoke began to appear. An estimated 15,000 people were present.

Advertisement

A brief moment of confusion occurred when the black smoke died down and small wisps of white smoke came trailing out the chimney. White smoke as well as the triumphant ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica will signal that a pope has been elected. The bells instead were slowly ringing that it was noon.

Advertisement

While only one ballot was cast on the first day of the conclave, up to four ballots are cast each day after that. If, after three days of voting, they have not elected anyone, the cardinals can take a maximum of one day off for prayer and informal discussion.