The Great Papal Election: A Journey of Secrecy and Anticipation

Catholic cardinals have reunited at the Sistine Chapel, embarking on a second day of voting to appoint a new pope. Despite hopeful expectations, the first voting session ended without a decision, symbolized by black smoke emerging from the chapel's chimney.

The conclave is notable for being the most geographically diverse in the history of the Catholic Church. A cardinal requires a two-thirds majority, equating to 89 votes, to be elected as the new pope. This secretive ritual attracts the faithful, eager to witness the announcement of the new leader.

A widely-known Italian proverb warns against predicting the conclave's outcome: 'He who enters the conclave as pope leaves as a cardinal.' This reinforces the suspense surrounding the lengthy, behind-closed-doors decision process.

(With inputs from agencies.)