The search for a new Pope continues as Catholic cardinals failed to elect a new leader during the first round of voting on Wednesday evening.
At about 8:00 p.m., black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no candidate received the required majority. Over 45,000 people who had gathered in St Peter’s Square watched in silence as the dark plume confirmed the inconclusive result.
Under Church rules, black smoke means no Pope has been chosen. White smoke, along with the ringing of bells, will announce the election of a new Pontiff.
Cardinals will resume voting today, with two rounds scheduled in the morning and two in the evening.
To be elected, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes—89 out of 133 voting cardinals. These cardinals come from 70 countries, making this one of the most diverse conclaves in the Church’s history.
If no decision is reached after three days, the cardinals will take a break for a day of prayer and informal talks. A spiritual speech will then be delivered by the senior cardinal deacon, and voting will resume.
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If 21 votes still bring no result, only the top two candidates from the last vote will remain. However, they will not be allowed to vote in that final round. Even then, one of them must get a two-thirds majority to become Pope.
Earlier on Wednesday, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led a special Mass for the election of the new Pope at St Peter’s Basilica. By 3:45 p.m., the cardinals had gathered and walked into the Sistine Chapel, singing ancient hymns and prayers.
Once inside, each cardinal swore an oath of secrecy by placing a hand on the Bible and declaring, “So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.”
After the words “Extra omnes”—Latin for “Everyone out”—all non-essential personnel were asked to leave. A spiritual message was then delivered to guide the cardinals as they began their sacred duty.
Strict secrecy surrounds the entire process. Anyone involved, including medical staff, aides, and workers, faces automatic excommunication if they break confidentiality. The Vatican has also put in place strong security measures, such as banning phones and using signal blockers to keep the proceedings private.