Washington DC [US]: The first day of the highly secretive papal conclave ended without a decision, as black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals have not yet selected the next Pope, CNN reported.
Following the vote, the 133 cardinals eligible to cast ballots returned to the Santa Marta residence, where they remain sequestered from the outside world until a decision is reached. The conclave will resume voting on Thursday.
This conclave follows the death of Pope Francis last month, marking a rare occurrence of a papal election due to death rather than resignation. The election of a new pontiff requires a candidate to secure a two-thirds majority of the votes.
Historically, recent popes were elected quickly. Pope Benedict XVI was chosen after four rounds of voting on the second day, and Pope Francis followed after five rounds. Pope John Paul II was elected in 1978 after eight rounds over three days.
The tradition of burning ballots continues, with black smoke indicating no consensus and white smoke confirming a successful election. According to Rev. Sam Sawyer, editor-in-chief of America Media, the secrecy surrounding the process helps cardinals vote freely and honestly.
“The secrecy is meant to help the cardinals discern in freedom,” said Rev. Sawyer. “It allows them to vote within their conscience without external pressure.”
While the process now serves a spiritual and procedural purpose, it once provided protection from political interference, especially in earlier centuries.
The world now watches as the conclave continues, awaiting white smoke and the introduction of the next Pope.