<h1>Cardinals Convene in Papal Election, Seeking Global Church Leadership Under Strict Voting Protocols</h1> Cardinals from 70 countries gathered in Vatican City to elect a new pope after the previous leader's retirement. The conclave began with a first round of voting that did not result in a selection. Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no candidate received the required two-thirds majority. Cardinals, sequestered from outside communication, will continue voting to choose the church's next leader, with potential candidates representing diverse global perspectives.