Black Smoke Signals No Pope Elected in First Round of Vatican Conclave

Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday, indicating that the first round of voting in the Vatican conclave did not produce a new pope, Anadolu Agency reported. The conclave, attended by 133 cardinal electors, began following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

The day started with a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who also presided over the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. Afterwards, the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, which remains sealed until a new pope is chosen.

Under conclave rules, a two-thirds majority is required to elect the next pontiff. This tradition dates back to 1492, when the Sistine Chapel first hosted a papal election. Recent elections have been faster; Pope Francis was elected after five ballots in 2013.

Voting will resume on May 8 as the Catholic Church awaits the announcement of its 267th pope. White smoke will signal a successful election, followed by the traditional “habemus papam” proclamation from St. Peter’s Basilica.