More black smoke, still no pope

Black smoke billowed from the chimney again and again today as the cardinals continue to pray and ponder who the next pope shall be. Meanwhile, the world awaits their decision.

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VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - Black smoke says the cardinals, meeting in secret conclave, have not yet agreed and it causes some to speculate that this election may last longer than other previous ones.

The Church now faces great dangers from both within and without, and the next pope must be different than Benedict. The next pope must be a reformer, ready to extricate corruption from the Church while defending the unbroken traditions and faith that have lasted for over two millennia.

Still, papal conclaves usually take at least two to three days to reach a consensus and this one should be no different. The decision is significant and is made only after long periods of prayer and contemplation. The rounds of voting does not mean the cardinals are bitterly divided, it just means they need more time to listen.

Of course, it's impossible to know what is happening in the Sistine Chapel as the cardinals are sworn to an oath of secrecy on pain of excommunication.

The hard work of prayer and consideration, and the responsibility of choosing wisely is their lot. For us, it is to wait patiently, and to prayerfully trust that our new Holy Father will come to us soon.

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