Black smoke from chapel signals no new Pope elected at Vatican conclave

The first day of the sacred conclave has concluded without the election of a new pope. At 9.05 pm local time, Wednesday, plumes of dark smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the cardinals did not reach a decision in their initial vote, as per Vatican news.

Earlier in the day, reportedly 133 cardinal-electors processed solemnly into the Sistine Chapel following a Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica. There, they took the oath of secrecy and invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit before beginning the first scrutiny of the conclave around 5.45 pm.

Despite the late hour, tens of thousands of pilgrims remained in the square, prayerfully awaiting a sign. The appearance of the black smoke, which denotes an inconclusive vote, was met with respectful applause and murmurs of reflection rather than disappointment – an acknowledgment of the weighty spiritual responsibility the cardinals now bear.

The process of electing the 267th Successor to Saint Peter will resume Thursday morning, as the College of Cardinals continues to discern who will guide the Universal Church forward following the death of Pope Francis last month at the age of 88.

The College of Cardinals remains a diverse body, reflecting the global Church. While united in prayer, they also bring varying views on the future direction of the papacy. Some favor a continuation of Francis's pastoral focus, while others lean toward a return to more traditional expressions of Church teaching and governance.

Nonetheless, there is a shared desire among the cardinals to reach consensus swiftly - mindful of the need for unity and clarity at a critical juncture for the Catholic Church.