Black smoke signals no pope elected in first conclave voting

VATICAN CITY: Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signaling that no pope has been elected to succeed Pope Francis as the supreme leader of the global Catholic Church. When a new pope is elected, white smoke billows from the chapel's chimney. So, the election is expected to continue tomorrow also.

The conclave to elect a new pope started yesterday at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican. Since the first round of voting failed to elect a new pope, the cardinals will return to the Santa Marta residence inside the Vatican. 133 cardinals are participating in the voting. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in the conclave. People from 70 countries are in this conclave.

The first conclave to elect a pope was held in the Sistine Chapel in 1492. Later, the chapel became a permanent venue after 1878. The cardinals participating in the conclave live in the Domus Santa Marta, near the chapel.

Black smoke emanated from the chapel at 9 pm last night after the first round of voting. 89 votes are needed to elect a new pope. The cardinals will return this morning and resume voting.