First day of papal conclave ends without a new pope, more votes ahead

As the sun set over the Vatican, anticipation filled the air, marking the beginning of a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. The first day of the papal conclave concluded without the election of a new pope, as indicated by the black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney at 21:00 local time.

The conclave will continue with additional voting sessions scheduled for the following days, persisting until a new pope is chosen. The traditional white smoke will signify the successful election. Both Pope Francis and his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, were chosen after two days in similar gatherings.

Before the conclave’s initiation on Wednesday, 133 cardinal electors solemnly pledged to maintain secrecy regarding the voting process. To be elected, the next pope must receive at least 89 votes from the cardinals. Among the voters is Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Today’s voting was not expected to yield a new pope, as reaching the required two-thirds majority is customarily a multi-day endeavor. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presiding as Dean of the College of Cardinals, led a Mass where he called for prayers for divine guidance, expressing hope for a leader suited to the Church’s needs in these challenging times.

Thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square on the conclave’s first day, though the cardinal electors, all younger than 80, remain in isolation from the outside world until the election concludes.