A cloud of black smoke was seen rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, confirming that the first round of voting by the cardinals to elect a new pope ended without a result.
The signal, steeped in tradition, indicates that no candidate received the two-thirds majority required to become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
According to long-standing custom, “black smoke indicates that no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority.”
Only when a pope is chosen will white smoke rise, accompanied by the historic announcement: “Habemus Papam” “We have a pope.”
The process, which takes place behind locked doors, is strictly confidential.
As part of the rules, cardinals were required to hand in their phones, and the Vatican went as far as shutting down nearby mobile phone towers to block any possibility of leaks.
Moreover, the emergence of black smoke was not unexpected.
In modern times, a pontiff has not been selected on the first day of voting.
The conclave will resume on Thursday morning, with the cardinal electors expected to gather once again around 10:30 a.m. local time to continue the process of selecting the 267th pope.
The world watches closely, holding its breath for the white smoke that will signal the beginning of a new era for the Church.
Meanwhile, inside the chapel, every vote is a step closer to reaching a decision that will shape the future of over a billion Catholics around the globe.
For now, all eyes remain fixed on the small chimney perched atop the Sistine Chapel.
In addition, hope remains that the next round of voting may yield a clearer direction.
