Vatican City (AsiaNews) Black smoke rose from the chimney for a third time, indicating that the conclave has not yet elected the new Pontiff.
The signal that the 115 cardinals have not yet found a successor to John Paul II came just before noon CET (GMT +2).
The smoke was first grey, and then turned decidedly black silencing the crowd of faithful that had gathered in St Peter's Square.
This morning after the second vote the chimney did not release any smoke.
Currently, the red-robed prelates have returned to Domus Sanctae Marthae for lunch and some rest, but will be back in the Sistine Chapel this afternoon for two other votes, the first of which is scheduled for 4 pm.
Should they, too, fall short of the two thirds quorum (77 votes out of 115), the chimney is expected to discharge black smoke around 7 pm.