VATICAN CITY — Roman Catholic cardinals were scheduled to return to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday (May 8) to continue voting for a successor to the late Pope Francis, marking the start of the largest and most diverse conclave in history. The cardinals began the secretive and ceremonial process of electing a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on Wednesday, in total isolation from the outside world. That evening, black smoke emerged from the chapel’s chimney, indicating that the first ballot had not produced a winner.

On Thursday, voting was expected to begin around 9am (3pm Singapore time), as per the Vatican’s schedule. White smoke would signal the election of a new pope to succeed Francis, who passed away last month. If the first vote of the day is conclusive, the announcement could be made as early as 11am (5pm Singapore time). If not, further smoke signals would be seen later in the day.

Given that no pope has been elected on the first vote in modern history, the black smoke on Wednesday was anticipated. However, with recent trends, a decision could come on the second day, as up to four rounds of voting can take place. The cardinals, known as the "princes of the Church," are expected to cast two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon, continuing until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries are participating, an increase from 115 cardinals from 48 countries in the 2013 conclave, reflecting Pope Francis’ efforts to globalize the Church. Francis, elected in 2013 after five rounds of voting on the second day, was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 after only four votes over two days.

Although no clear front-runners have emerged, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered leading candidates. If neither gains enough support, votes may shift toward other potential candidates, influenced by factors like geography, doctrine, or shared languages. Other notable papal contenders include French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, and Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

During the conclave, the cardinals are isolated and sworn to secrecy, with their phones and computers confiscated. They move between the Sistine Chapel for voting and Vatican guesthouses for rest and meals. Recently, the cardinals have shared differing views on what they want from the next pope. While some seek continuity with Francis' more liberal vision of openness and reform, others hope to return to more traditional values. Many desire a pope with a more predictable and measured approach.