First conclave vote at Vatican produces no new pope

Cardinals gathered for a special ‘Pro eligendo papa’ mass on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in preparation for the papal conclave scheduled to begin later in the day. A photo was shared by Vatican Media/EPA-EFE.

On Wednesday evening, a conclave of around 250 Catholic cardinals at the Vatican saw black smoke, indicating no decision, after the first vote to select a new pope. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from a chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel. The process started at 5:30 p.m. local time as cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to vote up to four times daily until reaching a decision.

The election requires a two-thirds majority of 89 votes from the 133 cardinals eligible to participate. Smoke signals from a chimney inform the public of progress, with black smoke signaling no decision and white smoke announcing the election of a new pope.

The current election to replace the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at 88, involves several contenders. The selection process, which involves the College of Cardinals, will continue until a new pope is chosen.