Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling that the first vote in the Papal Conclave failed to result in the election of a new pope.
The smoke is the only public indication of the outcome of the vote, as the cardinals, after taking oaths of secrecy and surrendering their phones, deliberate behind closed doors. The Vatican also shut down mobile phone towers to maintain the confidentiality of the process.
Traditionally, black smoke signifies that no candidate has secured the necessary two-thirds majority of votes.
White smoke, on the other hand, signals the election of a new pope. While the appearance of white smoke had not been expected on the first day of the conclave, it marks a momentous occasion when a new pope is chosen.
The conclave will reconvene on Thursday morning, with the cardinal electors gathering once again in the Sistine Chapel at 10:30 AM local time to cast their votes for the election of the 267th pope.
