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Live updates: Black smoke emerges early to begin day 2 of conclave

More than 130 Catholic cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday to continue the secretive, centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

What to Know

  • Black smoke was seen pouring from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel this morning, indicating a new pope had not been chosen to begin the first full day of the conclave.
  • The next vote is scheduled to begin around 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET).
  • One hundred thirty-three cardinal electors have gathered for the centuries-old secret voting ritual to elect a new pope to follow Pope Francis, who died April 21.
  • Smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel after each round of voting. White smoke will rise from the chimney when a new pope is selected. If no pope is chosen, there will be black smoke.

The cardinals return Thursday to continue the search for a new pope. Follow along below for live updates.

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