Black smoke rises: No pope elected after 3rd conclave ballot

Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 11:50am Thursday, indicating the third ballot of the papal conclave, and the second of the first full day, failed to elect a new pope. 

Approximately 15,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chimney, as cardinals paused for lunch. 

Voting is set to resume around 4:00pm (Italy time), according to Vatican News.

Among the crowd were Sarah and Cameron, newlyweds from Indiana honeymooning in Rome. 

“We were supposed to attend Mass with Pope Francis today,” Sarah told reporter Kielce Gussie, expressing mixed emotions. “But this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.” She hoped the next pope would be a “voice of reason” in a troubled world.

Fr Prashant Padu, a student from Bombay’s Archdiocese, echoed her sentiments. “The Church has had wonderful popes,” he said, wishing for a leader who embodies their finest qualities. The faithful continue to wait as the conclave presses on.