Black Smoke Signals Inconclusive First Papal Conclave Vote

Papal Conclave Begins

• ⛪ Cardinals have begun the conclave to elect a new pope, with 133 cardinal electors aged under 80 participating.
• ⏳ The first vote took over 3 hours after the conclave started.

Inconclusive First Vote

• 💨 Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling an inconclusive first vote.
• 😔 Some faithful in St. Peter Square expressed disappointment, having hoped for white smoke indicating a new pope had been selected.
• 🇵🇭 One attendee mentioned hoping for a cardinal from the Philippines.

Next Steps in the Election Process

• 🏨 The 133 cardinal electors will stay secluded in Vatican guest houses overnight.
• 🗓️ They will resume voting on Thursday, with two sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon.
• 🗳️ The process will continue until one candidate secures a majority of at least 2/3, which is 89 votes.