The highly anticipated first vote in the papal conclave ended in disappointment for the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Black smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, signaling that no Pope has yet been elected.
An estimated 45,000 faithful and curious onlookers had filled the square in hopeful anticipation, many arriving hours earlier in expectation of a quicker outcome.
Initial speculation suggested a smoke signal might emerge shortly after 7:00 PM, but the crowd waited until darkness had fully set in before a puff of black smoke rose into the Roman sky, dashing hopes of an early decision.
The black smoke — created by burning the ballots along with a chemical mixture — is a centuries-old symbol indicating that the voting Cardinals have not yet reached the required two-thirds majority needed to elect the next Pope.
Despite the cold evening air, the crowd remained mostly quiet and reverent as the smoke appeared, a mix of solemn expectation and patient faith.
Pilgrims, tourists, and clergy stood shoulder-to-shoulder, many praying, others simply watching with cameras in hand.
The conclave will resume voting on Thursday, with up to four ballots expected each day — two in the morning and two in the afternoon — until a new pontiff is chosen. When white smoke eventually rises, it will signal the historic words: “Habemus Papam” – We have a Pope.
Until then, the world waits.
