No decision on new pope as black smoke marks first vote

VATICAN CITY. Black smoke drifted from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signifying that the cardinal electors of the Roman Catholic Church failed to choose a new pope during the first round of voting in the conclave.

Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square held their breath as they awaited the traditional signal from the chapel’s narrow flue. The smoke, which appeared more than three hours after the conclave commenced, clearly indicated that the day’s vote was inconclusive.

This delay was notable; it took an hour longer than the first smoke signal during the 2013 conclave that elected the late Pope Francis.

White smoke will indicate that a new pope has been chosen, though few expected such a result on the first day. No pope in modern times has been elected in the opening ballot of a conclave.

Still, several cardinals expressed hope that the conclave could conclude by Thursday or Friday. They emphasized the importance of demonstrating unity following the polarizing 12-year papacy of Pope Francis, who passed away last month.

The 133 cardinal electors, aged under 80 and eligible to vote, will spend the night in two Vatican guesthouses. There, informal discussions may continue ahead of the next voting session on Thursday morning. According to the conclave procedure, they are expected to hold two votes in the morning and two more in the afternoon daily until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, at least 89 votes this time.

Their only communication with the outside world during the voting period is through the smoke signal. Ballots are burned with special chemicals: black smoke when no decision is made, and white when a pope is elected.

Papal conclaves in the modern era have been relatively short. The 2013 conclave lasted just two days, as did the 2005 gathering that selected Pope Benedict XVI.

In the lead-up to the conclave, cardinals offered diverse visions of what they expect from the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member global Church. Some seek continuity with Pope Francis’ more inclusive and reformist direction, while others prefer a return to traditional practices. Many cardinals are reportedly looking for a more “measured” and “predictable” pontificate.

In a homily delivered before the conclave, 91-year-old Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is no longer eligible to vote, urged his fellow cardinals to rise above personal interests:
“You must set aside every personal consideration and keep in mind only … the good of the Church and of humanity,” he said. He further emphasized that the new pope should embrace the Church’s diversity: “Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity.”

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, faced resistance from ultra-conservatives during his papacy, with some accusing him of heresy due to his progressive stances, particularly his openness to the LGBT community, his outreach to Protestants and Muslims, and his willingness to offer communion to divorced Catholics.

As of now, no clear frontrunner has emerged. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are widely seen as top contenders. However, if neither gains traction, attention could shift toward other candidates based on geography, theological alignment, or shared languages.

Other possible papabili (pope-hopefuls) include French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, and Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

This conclave sees a record number of participants, with 133 cardinals from 70 countries, compared to 115 cardinals from 48 nations in 2013, reflecting Pope Francis’ efforts to diversify and internationalize the College of Cardinals during his tenure.

One key consideration for the electors is whether the next pope should again come from the Global South, where Catholic populations are rapidly expanding, or whether leadership should return to Europe, or perhaps even for the first time, to the United States.

Earlier in the day, cardinals processed into the historic, frescoed Sistine Chapel to the sounds of Latin chants and organ music. Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” loomed over them as they took a solemn vow of secrecy by placing their hands on the Gospels.

“Extra omnes!” declared Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican’s master of ceremonies, Latin for “Everyone out!” signaling the start of the sacred and secret proceedings. The chapel’s heavy wooden doors then closed, sealing the cardinal electors off from the world.

Although no formal discussions are allowed during voting sessions, it is widely understood that strategic conversations continue during breaks and meals, with support shifting as potential candidates rise and fall.

The world now waits as the cardinals continue their deliberations behind closed doors, guided by ritual, prayer, and an enduring sense of purpose to choose the next shepherd of the Catholic Church.