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Live Updates – Papal Conclave

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March 12, 2013

2025 UTC
The Cardinals will gather again in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday morning. The first vote of the day is expected to begin at 0830 UTC. If a new Pope is not selected on that ballot, they are scheduled to vote again at 1540 UTC.

2000 UTC
Thanks to Reddit.com, this story published last month on VOANews.com is getting a lot of traffic (thanks Reddit!) - Ghanaian Cardinal Seen as Humble Pope Candidate

1958 UTC

Cardinals fail to elect new pope ~ I got really excited when I saw the smoke but it wasn't white:( bbc.in/10J1qlp #Pope
— Mark Rhys Norton (@mark_rhys) March 12, 2013

1844 UTC
The black smoke coming from the chimney at the Sistine Chapel means the first vote didn't result in someone getting the required 77 votes to become the new pope. So the conclave will continue on Wednesday.

#BlackSmoke
— VaticanCommunication (@PCCS_VA) March 12, 2013

1835 UTC

Catholic supporter or not, there is something so old-school-cool with the process of deciding upon a new #Pope. #religion
— King in the North (@sidgugnani) March 12, 2013

Although it is a serious matter, there is always room for humor.

How about a little Harlem Shake before the #Conclave2013?#Pope #Vatican twitter.com/euronews/statu…
— euronews (@euronews) March 12, 2013

1755 UTC
Papal contenders and electors around the world

1750 UTC

As the College of Cardinals assembles in the Sistine Chapel to begin choosing the next leader of the Catholic Church, here’s a collection of links to provide some background into the process and a look at the history of papal conclaves.

The Conclave
Cardinals Gather to Choose New Pope - VOA
Cardinals Debate Qualifications for Pope – VOA
Infographic: Picking a New Pope - Al Jazeera
Interactive Video: What Happens Inside the Conclave – BBC

The contenders
There’s no shortage of guesses as to who will be chosen to be the next pope. Here are some profiles of those deemed most “papabili” by various news organizations.

New York Times
CBS News
National Catholic Reporter
Raidió Teilifís Éireann

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Despite Troubled Papacy, Benedict’s Resignation May Seal His Legacy – VOA
Benedict Ends 8-Year Reign, Pledges Obedience to Next Pope – VOA