The opening day of the papal conclave concluded without a result, as black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that the College of Cardinals has not yet reached a consensus on the next pope.
Known as fumata nera, the black smoke is a centuries-old tradition signifying that no candidate received the required two-thirds majority vote needed for election. The conclave follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, marking the end of a papacy that spanned more than ten years.
Among the early contenders is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Italy’s Vatican Secretary of State, who is believed to have attracted considerable backing, though not enough to secure the papacy in the first round.
The cardinals will continue the voting process in the coming days, holding up to four ballots daily until a decision is reached. The world now awaits the appearance of white smoke, the signal that a new pope has been chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
