Read, Watch or Listen

Cardinals failed to elect a new pope in the first ballot of the conclave, as signaled by black smoke from the Sistine Chapel. Tens of thousands watched in St. Peter's Square. The 133 cardinals, representing diverse viewpoints within the Church, will continue voting until a two-thirds majority is reached. The process, marked by uncertainty due to Pope Francis's expansive selection of cardinals, faces challenges including falling priest numbers and the clerical abuse scandal. The next vote is scheduled for Thursday.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.