Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signaling that the first vote to elect a new pope ended without a decision.
Cardinals from around the world had sequestered themselves earlier in the day, beginning the secretive process of choosing a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes.
The next round of voting is expected on Thursday.
“Only the Catholic Church can communicate something just through white smoke. There is no press release that goes out,” said Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University.
Daniels said much happens behind the scenes once a pope is elected. He must first change into papal garments in the Room of Tears, named for the overwhelming emotion many popes experience in that moment. The new pope is asked whether he accepts the outcome and what name he chooses before appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In 2013, it took nearly an hour after white smoke appeared for Pope Francis to be announced. This year, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France will deliver the “Habemus Papam” declaration when a new pope is selected.
While a few frontrunners have emerged, conclaves are known for surprise outcomes. Whoever is chosen will face mounting challenges, including the Church’s handling of sex abuse cases, financial transparency, the role of women, LGBTQ inclusion, and diplomatic tensions such as relations with China.
