Faithful and curious spectators in St. Peter’s Square eagerly await the election of a new pope as the first round of voting ends in black smoke.
VATICAN CITY — The search for a new pope continues as black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling that the first round of voting had failed to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church. Thousands of spectators gathered in St. Peter’s Square, holding their breath as they waited for a sign indicating whether the 133 cardinals had reached a consensus.
The sight of the black smoke dashed hopes for an immediate decision and left many wondering how long the conclave, the Church’s secretive voting process, would last.
Faithful Gather in St. Peter’s Square with Hope and Anticipation
Outside the Vatican, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the faithful and curious gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Many had arrived early, hoping to witness the historic moment when the new pope would be revealed. The event was not just a solemn occasion but also a celebration of the Church’s global community, with thousands watching the voting process unfold on giant screens.
Among those waiting anxiously was Italian faithful Deborah Ruffalo, who expressed her hopes for a swift conclusion to the election. “We’re placing our hopes in tomorrow, which is also a Marian day, the feast of Our Lady of Pompeii. So surely a Pope under the sign of Mary in the month of May, and tomorrow, we hope to experience this unique moment here,” she said. Ruffalo’s sentiments were shared by many, who were eager to see the election of a new pope but were also reflective about the significance of the moment.
Despite the fervent anticipation, the first vote ended with black smoke, indicating that no decision had been made. The faithful had hoped for white smoke or the ringing of bells — traditional signs that announce the election of a new pope — but instead, they were left with the uncertainty of waiting for another vote.
The Vatican’s Secretive Voting Process
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals were sequestered from the outside world. All communication devices, including cell phones, were confiscated as they entered the conclave, and airwaves around the Vatican were jammed to ensure the secrecy of the voting process. The cardinals, who come from a diverse range of countries, are tasked with selecting the next pope. With 133 cardinals in the conclave, it is the largest papal election in history, and the process could take several days to conclude.
The conclave was called after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The election of a new pope is always a momentous occasion, but this conclave carries additional weight due to the diversity of the electors and the unique nature of the Catholic Church in the modern world.
With the cardinals’ votes being cast in secret, the process is full of mystery and suspense. There is no time limit for the conclave to choose a new pope, but a two-thirds majority is required to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church. The wait continues as the faithful hold out hope that the decision will come soon.
A Conclave Like No Other
This conclave is unlike any other in the history of the Church, not only because of the sheer number of cardinals involved but also because of the influence of Pope Francis’ choices. He made the controversial decision to appoint 108 of the 133 cardinals himself, exceeding the usual limit of 120 electors. Many of these cardinals come from countries that have never had a cardinal before, such as Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga. This diversity among the electors is expected to shape the direction of the papal election.
By appointing cardinals from such far-flung regions, Pope Francis sought to reflect the global nature of the Catholic Church. His appointments injected a new level of complexity into the process, making it less predictable and more suspenseful. The cardinals’ differing backgrounds and perspectives will likely influence their choices, making it uncertain when a pope will be elected.
However, the election process is not just about numbers and diversity. It is also about the spiritual and moral qualities that the cardinals seek in a leader. As they deliberate in the Sistine Chapel, they are tasked with choosing a pope who will lead the Catholic Church through a rapidly changing world, guiding its 1.3 billion followers with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.
The Tension Builds: A Day of Waiting and Watching
As the day wore on, the tension continued to build. For hours, the crowds in St. Peter’s Square waited, watching screens that only showed a skinny chimney atop the Sistine Chapel and occasional seagulls passing by. With the vote dragging on into the evening, some spectators began to leave, disappointed by the lack of progress.
However, those who remained were rewarded when the black smoke finally appeared, confirming that the first round of voting had failed to elect a new pope. The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was a mix of disappointment and patience. The faithful know that the process can take time, and the election of a pope is not something to be rushed.
The Pope’s Role and the Church’s Future
The election of a pope is a decision of great importance for the future of the Catholic Church. The pope serves as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, and his role extends beyond religious matters. The pope also plays a key role in shaping global diplomacy, addressing social issues, and guiding the Church in its mission to serve the marginalized and promote peace.
As the cardinals continue their deliberations, the Catholic Church’s future remains uncertain. But the faithful are hopeful that soon, the white smoke will appear, signaling the election of a new leader who will guide them into the future.
Looking Ahead: The Waiting Game Continues
The conclave will continue over the coming days, with more rounds of voting scheduled. While the black smoke on Wednesday indicated that the cardinals are still divided, the process is far from over. The faithful in St. Peter’s Square and around the world remain hopeful that soon, the decision will be made, and the Catholic Church will have a new pope to lead it into the future.
