Black Smoke Signals Inconclusive First Vote in Vatican Conclave

Black Smoke Signals Inconclusive First Vote in Vatican Conclave

The first round of voting by Catholic cardinals to elect a new pope ended without a decision on Wednesday, as black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaling no candidate received the required two-thirds majority.

Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square watched as the dark smoke appeared more than three hours after the secretive conclave began, confirming that the cardinals had not yet reached a consensus.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 eligible cardinals under the age of 80 were called to Rome to choose his successor.