Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Papal Conclave to Enter Second Day A small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel is again the focus of the world`s Roman Catholics on Wednesday, as 115 Catholic cardinals hold a second day of deleberations on electing a new pope. The cardinals began their conclave in Vatican City on Tuesday but on their first vote failed to select a successor to Pope Benedict, who resigned last month. Thousands of onlookers have expected to gather in St. Peter`s Square to await the outcome of the cardinals` votes, which will number no more than four per day. After a vote, the ballots are burned and a substance added to the smoke to indicate the outcome. Black smoke signifies that a new pope has not been elected. When the cardinals agree on a successor to Benedict, white smoke will rise from the chimney and the bells of St. Peter`s Basilica will be rung. A candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote, or 77 ballots, to be chosen to lead the Church. During the initial vote, several cardinals tend to emerge with more votes than others. The cardinals will remain sequestered behind the Vatican`s medieval walls until they elect a new pontiff. The 115 scarlet-robed "princes of the church" filed into the chapel earlier Tuesday, led by prelates holding a crucifix and candles as they chanted the traditional Litany of Saints, imploring for help in choosing the next pope. Once inside, each cardinal swore an oath of secrecy requiring, under pain of excommunication, that they reveal nothing of their deliberations for the duration of the secret conclave that could last for several days. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/papal-conclave-to-enter-second-day/16 20485.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/papal-conclave-to-enter-second-day/1620485.html