Black smoke signals no new pope has been elected as the conclave continues at the Sistine Chapel.

Black smoke emerged from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel at 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday, signaling that the process of electing a new pope would continue, much to the attention of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. This indication follows the gathering of more than 130 cardinals from approximately 70 countries, who convened at the Vatican earlier that day. They have been engaging in prayer and reflection as they prepare to cast their votes to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The papal conclave is a centuries-old tradition characterized by its secrecy and solemnity. Since the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, at the age of 88, the cardinals have been isolated from the outside world, a practice designed to encourage focused deliberation in the election of his successor.

The conclave will continue until a candidate achieves the necessary two-thirds majority. This pivotal moment is announced through the rising of white smoke from the chimney, accompanied by the proclamation “habemus papam,” which translates to “we have a pope.” Contrarily, if no candidate secures enough votes, black smoke will signal that the election will carry on into the following day. To expedite the process, the conclave holds two voting sessions each day until a pope is elected.

Earlier on Wednesday, the cardinals participated in a Holy Mass known as “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice,” led by Giovanni Cardinal Battista Re, the current dean of the College of Cardinals. At 91 years of age, Cardinal Re is unable to vote yet emphasized the importance of unity within the Church and sought divine guidance in selecting a leader capable of addressing the challenges faced by the Church and society today.

The cardinals solemnly processed into the Sistine Chapel shortly before 11 a.m. Eastern time, where they took an oath of secrecy before casting their ballots. The timetable of the voting remains uncertain, with no established schedule for when the results will manifest in the form of smoke from the chimney.

The conclave has the potential for extended deliberation, underscored by historical precedents such as the three-year wait for a papal election following the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268. In contrast, Pope Francis was elected on the fifth ballot in 2013, while his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, emerged victorious after four rounds in 2005.

As the Catholic community watches closely, the next days promise to be significant in shaping the future direction of the Church during these transformative times.

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