Thick black smoke has emerged from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signalling that the cardinals sealed off inside have failed to elect a new pope in their first conclave vote.

In a traditional yet suspenseful display, thick black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, indicating that the cardinals, locked away in conclave, could not reach a consensus in their first voting attempt to elect a new pope. This event unfolded in front of thousands of eager spectators who gathered in St. Peter’s Square, anxiously awaiting the signal of either black or white smoke, which traditionally communicates the result of the voting process to the public. The black smoke, which materialized approximately three hours and fifteen minutes after the cardinals had sequestered themselves, represents not only the current deadlock but also the significant challenges that lie ahead for the church following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. With 133 cardinals participating in this conclave, each from various countries around the globe, the Catholic Church is now faced with the task of unifying its leadership amid diverse views and expectations. The ritual of shutting off communications, including mobile devices and radio transmissions, is intended to ensure the secrecy and integrity of the voting process, pointing to the sacred nature of such an election. As reported by Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel-Hamid, historically, it is rare for a pope to be elected on the first day; the cardinals are likely using this initial vote as a gauge of one another's sentiments, allowing for insight into potential alliances and preferences. The factors at play are quite complex. While some cardinals favor continuity with Francis’s progressive agenda, which advocated for inclusivity and reform, others appear inclined towards a more conservative direction, reflecting the enduring schisms within the Church. There is also an uncertainty surrounding potential candidates, with many names circulating among the electors but no clear frontrunner emerging at this early stage. Challenges such as dwindling priest numbers, the role of women in the Church, and the aggressive criticism surrounding clerical abuse scandals further complicate the search for direction. Interestingly, the conclave's membership has expanded, a move seen as a strategic effort by Francis to cultivate a more global and representative leadership. It raises questions about whether the next pope will originate from the regions of growing congregations, such as Africa or South America, ushering in a potentially transformative period for the Church regarding its global engagement. As the cardinals adjourn back to their guesthouses to regroup and deliberate quietly on their next voting sessions, the anticipation builds for when the next signal will emerge — whether it will be black smoke again, indicating prolonged discussions, or the sought-after white smoke that signifies the election of the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Many spectators in St. Peter's Square expressed their hope for a progressive candidate, which might suggest a lean towards continuity rather than conservatism in the forthcoming decision making of the cardinals.