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Roman Catholic cardinals still choosing next Pope on Day 2 of conclave

Roman Catholic cardinals still choosing next Pope on Day 2 of conclave

NHK08-05-2025

Black smoke billowed from a chimney on the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Thursday morning, signaling that a successor to the late Pope Francis has still not been found.
A total of 133 Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world resumed voting on the second day of a conclave. They will continue to cast ballots until a candidate wins the two-thirds majority.
Up to two rounds of voting will take place in the afternoon.
If a new pope is elected, white smoke will billow from the chimney of the chapel. If not, black smoke will appear at the end of the afternoon votes.
Many people have gathered at Saint Peter's Square where the chimney can be seen.
A Catholic woman from the United States said she was visiting the square for the second day in a row. She said she personally hopes a new pope is elected on Thursday as she has to leave for the US the next day.
She added that she hopes the cardinals will take time to choose a new pope who will lead the world's Catholics for years to come.
Attention is focused on whether the new leader will continue the reforms promoted by Francis. There is also keen interest in where he is from. The cardinals are from increasingly diverse regions, including Asia, Central and South America and Africa.

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