Thick black smoke has this evening billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the College of Cardinals has not yet reached a decision on the election of a new pope.
The smoke, a traditional signal seen around the world, confirms that further rounds of voting will resume tomorrow and continue until a consensus is achieved.
In accordance with long-standing conclave protocols, the cardinals remain entirely sequestered within the chapel, cut off from all external communication until a new pontiff is chosen.
As dusk falls over Vatican City, the atmosphere in St Peter’s Square remains charged with anticipation. Despite the chill of evening, thousands continue to wait patiently in the hope of witnessing white smoke, the long-awaited sign of a successful election.
According to the most recent figures released by police authorities, approximately 30,000 people have gathered in the square, undeterred by the uncertainty and united in reverence for this historic moment.
