Cardinals have failed to agree on a new pope following the first round of voting in the highly secretive papal conclave. the conclave follows the death of Pope Francis.
A total of 133 cardinal electors from around the world gathered beneath the iconic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel to participate in one of the most confidential ballots in the modern era. Completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, no media, no contact—they will continue voting until they select the next spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
At 21:00 local time, black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that no pope had been chosen. This came hours after the chapel doors were closed with the traditional declaration, “Extra omnes” — meaning “Everyone out.”
The conclave is scheduled to resume tomorrow morning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Rome time, when the cardinals will reconvene to cast further ballots.
This rare and historic event not only marks a turning point for the Catholic Church but also captivates global attention, intersecting religion, geopolitics, media, and culture. Once a decision is reached, white smoke will rise above the Apostolic Palace, and the newly elected pope will appear on the balcony to greet the faithful.
