Black Smoke Signals No Pope Elected on First Day of Conclave

VATICAN CITY - The world watched with anticipation as black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening. This signal confirmed that the cardinals participating in the papal conclave did not elect a new pope on their initial vote. The conclave, a gathering of cardinals, is tasked with choosing the successor to the papacy.

The presence of black smoke, created by burning the ballots after an unsuccessful vote, traditionally signifies a lack of consensus among the cardinals. A new vote is scheduled for Thursday, with cardinals continuing their deliberations and prayers. Experts suggest that the initial lack of a decision is not unusual, as the process can often take several days to reach a conclusion. The world awaits the emergence of white smoke, the signal that a new pope has been chosen.