The first vote of the newly convened papal conclave ended without electing a new pope, as indicated by the black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals will reconvene for further rounds of voting in the coming days, navigating a divided Church amid pressing issues.
Papal Conclave Off to a Slow Start as Vote Fails to Elect New Pope
Papal Conclave Off to a Slow Start as Vote Fails to Elect New Pope
The Vatican's historic papal conclave begins with a first round of voting leading to black smoke, indicating no pope was elected.
The Vatican witnessed a historic moment on the evening of May 7, 2025, when a cloud of black smoke emerged from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, announcing the failure to elect a new pope during the first round of voting by the 133 cardinals sequestered inside. Speculated as unlikely to yield a new pontiff during the initial session, the conclave marks the first leadership election in over a decade following the passing of Pope Francis.
Having closed the doors to the chapel to ensure seclusion and confidentiality, the cardinals will remain in isolation as they deliberate and vote in secret, with no access to outside communications or information until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Awaiting a decision, spectators gathered in St. Peter’s Square, observing the process filled with anticipation and mixed emotions, from groans to cheers of encouragement at the sight of the black smoke.
The conclave takes place amid challenges facing the Catholic Church, including internal divisions and a push for change from more progressive factions that clash with conservative elements. Observers note that many cardinal electors are interacting for the first time, leading to complexities and varying priorities in their voting dynamics.
Over the next few days, the cardinals will cast ballots up to four times a day until a consensus emerges. Each voting session is initiated by a solemn ritual, including the recitation of the phrase "Eligo in Summum Pontificem," meaning "I elect as the supreme pontiff," as they submit their secret votes. If the outcome remains unclear, smoke signals may rise several times each day—black smoke indicating additional rounds are necessary and white smoke signifying that a new pope has been chosen.
As the clock ticks, all eyes remain glued to the chimney, where the quest for a new leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics unfolds amidst an atmosphere profoundly shaped by tradition and the weighty responsibilities of a global faith. With hopes pinned on the next vote, which will resume Thursday morning, the world awaits its spiritual leader.
Having closed the doors to the chapel to ensure seclusion and confidentiality, the cardinals will remain in isolation as they deliberate and vote in secret, with no access to outside communications or information until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Awaiting a decision, spectators gathered in St. Peter’s Square, observing the process filled with anticipation and mixed emotions, from groans to cheers of encouragement at the sight of the black smoke.
The conclave takes place amid challenges facing the Catholic Church, including internal divisions and a push for change from more progressive factions that clash with conservative elements. Observers note that many cardinal electors are interacting for the first time, leading to complexities and varying priorities in their voting dynamics.
Over the next few days, the cardinals will cast ballots up to four times a day until a consensus emerges. Each voting session is initiated by a solemn ritual, including the recitation of the phrase "Eligo in Summum Pontificem," meaning "I elect as the supreme pontiff," as they submit their secret votes. If the outcome remains unclear, smoke signals may rise several times each day—black smoke indicating additional rounds are necessary and white smoke signifying that a new pope has been chosen.
As the clock ticks, all eyes remain glued to the chimney, where the quest for a new leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics unfolds amidst an atmosphere profoundly shaped by tradition and the weighty responsibilities of a global faith. With hopes pinned on the next vote, which will resume Thursday morning, the world awaits its spiritual leader.
