Black smoke signals no pope elected at first conclave vote

Black smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating no decision has been made to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025.

Credit: Reuters Photo

Vatican City: Black smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Wednesday, signalling that the 133 Catholic cardinals meeting in a secret conclave failed to elect a new pope on their first ballot.