Overview

• The third fumata, expected this evening, may signal the election of the 267th Pope, following two black smoke signals earlier today.
• Cardinals paused for lunch after two inconclusive morning ballots and will resume voting at 16:30 in the Sistine Chapel.
• A two-thirds majority of 89 votes is required to elect the new Pope, with key candidates including Pietro Parolin, Mario Grech, and Matteo Zuppi.
• Historical precedents suggest a resolution is possible tonight, as past conclaves often concluded by the third fumata, including those electing Pope Francis and John Paul I.
• Cardinal dean Giovanni Battista Re expressed optimism for a white smoke result tonight, emphasizing the need for a Pope to address modern spiritual challenges.