Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, waiting for the first sign of a decision in the sacred process of electing a new pope.

As the time came for the traditional smoke signal, a collective hush fell over the crowd. Moments later, a thick plume of black smoke curled into the sky, confirming that the College of Cardinals had not yet agreed.

Inside the historic chapel, the cardinals, locked in solemn deliberation, began the first round of voting earlier in the day. The election, known as the conclave, follows ancient traditions that have governed the Catholic Church for centuries. The process is deeply symbolic: the ballots, cast in secrecy, are burned after each vote, producing either black smoke, signifying no consensus, or white smoke, heralding the election of a new pontiff.

With the world watching, anticipation is high. The gathered crowd, a mix of pilgrims, clergy, and tourists, reacted to the dark smoke with patience and quiet discussion. Some clasped their hands in prayer, others murmured in hopeful speculation about who might emerge as the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

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