World Awaits White Smoke on Second Day of Conclave

(NECN: Justin Michaels) - As most of the world knows by now, we're waiting for the white smoke to billow out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, which will indicate that the cardinals have selected a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

The cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel Wednesday morning to begin voting on the second day of the conclave.

Tuesday was the last time the cardinals will be seen in public before a pope is elected. They entered the Chapel, took their oath of secrecy, and began the conclave.

They will spend three hours each morning in isolation from the world, the media and even social media as they deliberate the future of the Catholic Church.

They'll then break for lunch and come back later in the day if no selection is made.

Black smoke will come from the chimney at the end of the morning session, around 7 a.m. EST, and again at 2 p.m., unless they decide on a new pope during the session.

At that point, white smoke will come from the chimney and a bell will sound at St. Peter's Basilica. Within an hour, the man selected to lead the Catholic Church will appear on the balcony, letting everyone in on the cardinals’ decision.

Ray Flynn, former Boston mayor and ambassador to the Vatican, appeared on Broadside with Jim Braude Tuesday night to discuss Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s chances.

According to the Italian press, O’Malley has the highest favorability rating among all clerics.

If, after three days of voting, the cardinals can't come to a decision, they'll break for a full day of prayer and reflection and then resume for another seven ballots.

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