Conclave Continues: Cardinals Struggle to Elect Pope Francis' Successor

Cardinals failed to elect a successor to Pope Francis during the conclave in the Vatican, with black smoke signaling inconclusive results after voting sessions. The cardinals will continue voting, aiming for a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope. The process has been longer and more uncertain than expected.

The search for Pope Francis' successor encountered yet another setback on Thursday morning, as cardinals failed to reach a consensus, leaving the Catholic Church without a new leader after two inconclusive rounds of conclave voting.

At 11:50 a.m. (0950 GMT), black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signifying that no candidate had received the two-thirds majority needed to be declared pope. The 133 cardinals reconvened at Vatican residences to rest before returning for another voting session later in the day, where two more votes are anticipated.

The drawn-out process has stirred speculation, with observers questioning the delays amidst the cloistered setting of the Vatican. As thousands gather in St. Peter's Square, hopes remain high that a peacemaker will be selected to lead the 1.4 billion-member global Catholic community.

(With inputs from agencies.)