Summary
On Thursday morning, St. Peter’s Square was filled with anticipation as spectators awaited the election of a new pope, but the first smoke signal was black, indicating no consensus among the cardinals. Many expected white smoke later in the day, with international crowds remaining hopeful for a leader who would continue the work of Pope Francis. Despite a smaller turnout than the previous evening, attendees, including tourists and locals, expressed their dedication to witnessing the historic moment, sharing hopes for a compassionate and engaging new pontiff.
