College of Cardinals has failed to reach the required two-thirds majority in their first vote to choose a new pope, signalling a potentially contentious process ahead.
Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 8 pm, indicating that the cardinals had been unable to agree on a successor to Pope Francis.
The conclave, which began on Wednesday afternoon, saw 133 cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world and sworn to secrecy. They will hold multiple votes daily from Thursday until a new pope is chosen.
The cardinals took an oath of secrecy, promising not to allow outside influence, before beginning the voting process. The vote takes place beneath Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, which has been secured with tight security measures, including signal jammers and covered windows.
The process is expected to be closely watched, with many speculating about the potential candidates. Favourites include Luis Tagle, who could become the first Asian pontiff, and Italian contenders Matteo Zuppi and Pietro Parolin.
The new pope’s identity is typically revealed soon after the white smoke emerges when he steps onto the balcony to greet the crowds in St Peter’s Square.
