2025 Papal Conclave: 133 Cardinals Begin Voting, Black Smoke Signals No Decision After First Round

The 2025 papal conclave to elect a new pope began on Wednesday at the Vatican, 16 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave, which involves 133 cardinal electors from five continents, is taking place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are sequestered from the outside world. The process aims to select a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, following Pope Francis's 12-year tenure. The first round of voting concluded with black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, indicating that no pope has been elected yet. The cardinals, including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo, are expected to continue voting on Thursday. The process is shrouded in secrecy as they adhere to a strict oath of confidentiality, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.