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Black smoke from Sistine Chapel indicates no new pope selected – Chris Cuomo reports
All eyes are on Sistine Chapel chimney this morning. Millions are watching for a smoke signal from the 115 cardinals voting inside. Chris Cuomo is live in Rome with the latest.
The cardinals' second or third ballots this morning show an inconclusive vote as black smoke billows from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. A new Holy Father to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics has not yet been selected.
Cardinals voting now for next pope – Chris Cuomo sets the scene in Rome
Right now, the world is focusing on a thin copper chimney above the Sistine Chapel. At any moment, it could show white smoke and signal the election of a new pope. Yesterday and earlier this morning, black smoke signaled that the 115 cardinal electors had failed to choose the Catholic Church's next spiritual leader.
After black smoke emerged Wednesday, the cardinals will return for an afternoon voting session beginning at 11amET, and at 12:30pmET all eyes will then be back on the Sistine Chapel chimney, awaiting another smoke signal from the cardinals.
Chris Cuomo sets the scene from Rome on "Early Start" this morning.
Americans make the pilgrimage to Vatican for glimpse of white smoke and new pope – Miguel Marquez reports
History is in the making in Rome, Italy today. Today marks the second day of the papal election. We may see white smoke emerge from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, indicating a new pontiff has been chosen.
Many Americans are making the pilgrimage to Rome to witness the moment live at the Vatican. Miguel Marquez speaks to two American Catholic students on watch for the smoke signal.
Both active in the Catholic church, Nora and Victoria share their feelings about the significance of being present for this conclave.
"It's such an exciting experience and it's part of history, and just to say that I was here for a new election of a new pope is amazing," Nora says.
“It's very important," Victoria says. "The pope is the leader of our church, and he's such a model, so we really need someone who is strong an and who can lead us.”
'Politicking' before papal conclave? Father Beck & Msgr. Hilgartner on the behind-the-scenes in the pope selection
CNN contributor Father Beck and Msgr. Hilgartner discuss the changes in Pope Benedict XVI's attire once he steps down.
VIDEO: Clothing, shoes, ring to be retired after Pope Benedict XVI steps down
CNN contributor Father Beck and Msgr. Hilgartner discuss the changes in Pope Benedict XVI's attire once he steps down.
WANTED: Future pope with global vision, 'salesmanship' skills, management ability – John Allen explains
CNN analyst John Allen on Pope Benedict XVI's final message to the cardinals and future direction of the church.
CNN's John Allen: Pope Benedict XVI 'emotional' in final public appearance (video)
Sr. Vatican Analyst John Allen on Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in his role at the head of Catholic Church.
VIDEO: Pope Benedict arrives in St. Peter's Square for final general audience
Rome (CNN) - Throngs of Roman Catholic faithful flocked to St. Peter's Square on Wednesday to hear the final public words of Pope Benedict XVI a day before he steps down and retreats into a life of seclusion.
Vatican officials said 50,000 tickets had been handed out for Benedict's final general audience - but tens of thousands more are expected to witness the historic moment in person.
This morning on "Early Start," CNN's Christiane Amanpour reports live as Pope Benedict XVI arrives for the last time in St. Peter's Square for his final general audience.
READ MORE: Big crowds gather for Benedict's final papal audience
Cardinal O'Brien resigns after abuse claims as Pope Benedict XVI's reign comes to an end – Becky Anderson reports
Rome, Italy (CNN) - Scotland's Roman Catholic archbishop, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, has resigned amid allegations that he abused four men studying to be priests in the 1980s.
Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation last week, the Vatican said in a statement released Monday.
O'Brien said he submitted his resignation to the pope months ago, citing his upcoming 75th birthday and his health, according to a statement released by the Scottish Catholic Media Office.
The resignation follows a Sunday report by the British newspaper The Observer that three priests and one former priest leveled allegations against O'Brien that date back 30 years.
This also comes amidst the final days of Pope Benedict XVI's reign, and the ramp up for the election of a new pope begins. CNN's Becky Anderson reports on the latest.
READ MORE: Scotland's Roman Catholic archbishop, mired in abuse claim, resigns
Who will be selected as the next pope? EWTN's Raymond Arroyo weighs in
EWTN's Raymond Arroyo on possible successors after Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation.
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