BY: ANGEL ARQUERO
Fifteen days after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 cardinals from around the world gathered at the Vatican to begin the conclave to elect the new pope.
The selection process officially began on May 7 at 3 PM Philippine time, with the cardinals casting votes inside the Sistine Chapel.
A total of five candidates are being considered, and a two-thirds majority vote is required for one to be elected.
Before voting began, each cardinal took an oath of secrecy in front of the congregation.
Among those participating in the conclave are three Filipino cardinals namely Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Jose Advincula, and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.
The first day of voting lasted nearly ten hours.
However, the Sistine Chapel released black smoke by the end of the day, indicating that no pope had been elected yet.
Voting will resume on May 8 as the conclave continues in the search for the 267th pope.