Overview

• The first ballot of the papal conclave concluded with black smoke, signaling no candidate reached the 89-vote threshold needed for election.
• 133 cardinals, representing the most globally diverse College of Cardinals in history, are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy.
• The conclave follows centuries-old traditions, including the use of black or white smoke to communicate voting outcomes to the public.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, is widely regarded as a leading contender, but no clear frontrunner has emerged yet.
• Up to four ballots will be held daily until a new pope is elected, with the process expected to continue for several days.