Black smoke was emitted from the
Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday meaning the cardinals in the
papal conclave had elected no successor to Pope Francis in their
first vote.
White smoke, on the other hand, will mean the world's 1.4
billion Catholics have a new leader.
The 133 cardinal electors will now vote four times a day until
they find a new Roman pontiff to succeed Francis, who died on
Easter Monday aged 88 after 12 years at the helm of the Church.
The last two conclaves, for Francis and Benedict, lasted just
two days.
A two thirds majority is needed.
The first vote took much longer than expected, coming three
hours and 17 minutes after the extra omnes order for everyone
but the cardinals to exit the chapel.
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