The second day of voting in the Papal Conclave Wednesday set all eyes on the chapel's chimney and hopes are in air for the white smoke to burst out removing the dark cloud, literally and symbolically, over the age old Catholic Church.

It was the second day of voting back in 2005 that saw Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger rising to become Pope Benedict XVI, the leader of Roman Catholic Church that has sunk in a deep quagmire of sexual scandals, conflicts and distrust among people for long.

As the 115 cardinals began their intensive voting Tuesday to find the successor to lead the 1.2-billion member church, the first voting remained inconclusive as black smoke billowed over the night air leaving Catholics in awe.

White smoke would indicate that the new head for the Church has been chosen - the white smoke would be produced when ballots are burnt with special flame.

Among top candidates is Canada's Marc Ouellet who, in a recent interview with CBC had said that he was mentally preparing for the possibility of assuming the post. Other hopeful cardinals on the top favorite lists are Italy's Angelo Scola and Brazil's Odilo Scherer who are ahead of Ouellet, according to media reports.

Ouellet has said that it will not be a surprise if a non-European assumed the post this time.

In the history of conclave voting, the meeting has never lasted more than five days and few others have been able to conclude on the new pope within two or three days of voting. According to the Globe and Mail, the Vatican press officers have said that the Church could fully hope to see a new pope by Friday.

To reach a conclusive voting, the candidate should have two-thirds of votes which means he will need 77 votes.

Pope Benedict became the first pontiff to resign from the post in 600 years, after he announced his resignation in Feb. 11 citing health issues.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:

To contact the editor, e-mail: