A clear signal indicating the election of a new pope emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday: white smoke.

The papal conclave, which convened on Wednesday to select the next leader of the Catholic Church, has yet to announce the pope’s name.

The initial plan was to hold one vote on the first day of the conclave. In subsequent days, up to four votes were possible, with two ballots in the morning and up to two in the afternoon.

The announcement on Thursday signifies that the voting concluded on the second day. Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict were also elected on the second day of their respective conclaves.

According to historical records, the last time a conclave reached a decision on the first day, just hours after starting, was in 1503 with the election of Pope Julius II.

In recent history, the conclave has generally made relatively quick decisions, reaching a conclusion on the papacy within a few days.

Pope Francis was elected in 2013 on the fifth ballot, while Pope Benedict XVI was chosen in 2005 on the fourth ballot, and Pope Pius XII was elected in 1939 on the third ballot.

A pope is chosen when a candidate receives a two-thirds majority from the voting members, comprising eligible cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the previous pope’s death.

Out of the 252 members, 133 cardinals participated in the vote.

Once the individual, typically selected from the College of Cardinals, is chosen as the next pope, he must accept the position with the Dean of the College.

He will then be asked what name he wishes to be known by, after which the conclave is concluded.

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