A two-thirds majority is required for the election of a new pope to ensure a broad consensus among the College of Cardinals and prevent domination by a single faction. In this conclave, with 133 cardinals voting, two-thirds equals 89 votes (rounded up from 88.66), as stipulated in the rules governing papal elections.

It is common for conclaves to require multiple rounds of voting over several days, especially when the cardinals are deeply divided or when there is no clear consensus candidate. Black smoke signaling no election on the first or second day is not unusual in modern papal history.

Cardinals are likely grappling with ideological differences—between liberal and conservative factions—issues of church governance, and the need for a leader who can address global challenges such as social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the ongoing reform within the Catholic Church following Pope Francis’s papacy.

Black smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicates that the cardinals have voted but failed to elect a new pope, signaling a lack of two-thirds majority consensus to the public.

St. Peter's Square has drawn thousands of spectators eager to witness the outcome, reflecting the global anticipation and the urgency surrounding the election of the next leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.