Three cardinals agreed that, despite conventional wisdom that dismissed the possibility of a US pope, Leo's US citizenship was not a large factor in the decision.

The conclave to elect a new pope is approaching potentially decisive rounds of voting on Thursday afternoon, after cardinals failed to reach the necessary majority in the morning. Up to two ballots are scheduled for Thursday afternoon,

The 133 cardinals are expected to vote again in the morning after spending the night sequestered at the Vatican residences. On Wednesday evening, black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave.