Spanish
With this signal, it is confirmed that the required consensus has not yet been reached among the 134 cardinal electors gathered in Vatican City, who will resume voting in the afternoon, around 4:00 p.m. local time.
Despite the lack of results, the anticipation in St. Peter's Square remains alive. More than 15 thousand people gathered this Thursday, including tourists, parishioners, and onlookers who are closely following each phase of the process.
One of the stories that drew the most attention was that of Sarah and Cameron, a young newlywed couple from Indiana, United States, who were in Rome celebrating their honeymoon. Although they had planned to participate in a mass with Pope Francis that same day, they acknowledged that witnessing a conclave in progress is an unrepeatable experience.
“Being here at this historic moment is something we will never forget,” said Sarah, who also expressed her wish that the new pontiff be “a sensible guide for a world that needs it.”
The sentiment was shared by priest Prashant Padu, a student of the Archdiocese of Bombay based in Rome.
“The Church has had great popes, and hopefully the next one can unite the best of each,” he commented, showing hope amidst the uncertainty.
The voting will continue until a two-thirds majority is reached. For now, the smoke remains black, and the world continues to await the next leader of the Catholic Church.
