Vatican City — Black smoke billowed once again from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals have not yet reached a decision in the ongoing papal conclave.
As thousands of faithful and curious onlookers watched from St. Peter’s Square, the dark plume confirmed that no candidate received the required two-thirds majority vote to become the next pope.
This age-old tradition of using colored smoke — black for no decision, white for a successful election — remains a powerful and symbolic moment watched by millions worldwide.
The wait continues, as the cardinals return to prayer and deliberation in hopes of soon electing the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
