The signal came as thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chapel’s rooftop flue, waiting in hushed anticipation. As the smoke turned black, the crowd let out a mix of sighs and applause, acknowledging the start of what could be a prolonged and historic process to select the successor to Pope Francis.

A Day Rich in Ritual and Tradition

The day was marked by solemn ritual and centuries-old pageantry. The 130 cardinal-electors, cloaked in scarlet robes, processed into the Sistine Chapel in a formal ceremony, taking an oath of secrecy before being sealed inside for the conclave.

Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, the cardinals prayed for divine wisdom as they cast their first ballots in what is expected to be one of the most globally diverse and possibly most unpredictable papal elections in modern history.

What Happens Next

The cardinals will continue voting in up to two rounds each morning and afternoon until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. After each round, smoke is released from the chapel’s chimney black for no decision, white for the election of a new pope.

Should the conclave stretch on, the cardinals are allowed a day of prayer and reflection after three full days of inconclusive voting.

For now, the world watches and waits as the Roman Catholic Church prepares to usher in a new spiritual leader.