Vatican City: Hopes for a new Pope were dashed on the first day of the papal conclave, as black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaled that no candidate secured the required two-thirds majority.
At around 9 AM local time, crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square watched as the smoke billowed into the sky — a centuries-old tradition indicating an inconclusive vote. The over three-hour session ended without consensus, according to international reports.
A total of 133 eligible cardinals from 71 countries are participating in the sacred process to elect the new spiritual leader of the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, and a candidate must receive at least 89 votes to be elected.
Voting will resume on Thursday, and according to Vatican protocols, up to four ballots can be held each day until a new Pope is chosen. Notably, Pope Francis was elected on the second day of voting during the previous conclave.
As the world watches with anticipation, the Sistine Chapel will once again be the focus of global attention — and everyone will be waiting for the moment when white smoke finally signals the arrival of the new Pope.
