The first conclave in more than a decade comes during an uncertain time for the church, which is facing difficult decisions about its future direction, strained finances and a reckoning over past sexual abuse scandals.

Black smoke was seen over the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, indicating no decision had been reached yet in the election for a new pope.

The cardinals have gathered in Vatican City to choose the 267th pope. St Peter, regarded as the first pope, was elected around 30AD. In the morning, cardinals will take part in a mass in St Peter’s Basilica. Later, in the afternoon, the cardinals will walk in a procession along the Via delle Fondamenta to the Sistine Chapel.

The Pittsburgh Pirates did nothing well from the plate, as they suffered a shutout to the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-0 at Busch Stadium in the series finale. The Pirates suffer their fourth series sweep of the season,

Alec Burleson hit a two-run double, Matthew Liberatore struck out eight in a season-high seven innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1

The Pittsburgh Pirates play the second game of a 3-game set at Busch Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday.