Cardinals begin historic conclave in search of a new pope, as black smoke marks the first unsuccessful voting round.
VATICAN CITY — The search for a new leader of the Catholic Church continues after black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Wednesday evening, signaling that cardinals had failed to elect a new pope in the first round of voting. The Vatican, filled with anticipation, had waited for a sign to indicate whether the 133 cardinals from around the world had reached a consensus.
The sight of the black smoke dashed hopes for an immediate conclusion to the papal election process.
First Round of Voting Ends in Failure
As the clock struck 21:00 local time, the black smoke poured from the chimney, marking the conclusion of the first vote, which failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority to elect the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. Thousands had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, anxiously awaiting the telltale sign of white smoke or the ringing of bells that would have heralded the election of a new pope. Instead, the congregation was greeted with the dark cloud of disappointment, knowing the conclave would continue for at least a few more days.
The black smoke, which has become a well-recognized symbol of failed votes during papal elections, signals that the cardinals have not yet reached a decision on the future leader of the global Catholic community. The conclave, a secretive and centuries-old voting process, involves the cardinals casting their votes in private until a clear consensus is reached. A two-thirds majority is required for a cardinal to be chosen as pope, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
The Historic Conclave and Its Significance
The 2025 conclave is historic for several reasons. With a composition that includes 133 cardinals from 70 different countries, it is the most geographically diverse conclave in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. The diversity of the cardinals reflects the increasing global nature of the Catholic faith, with significant representation from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Although the conclave’s outcome remains uncertain, it is expected that the deliberations could take several days. The lengthy process reflects the weight of the decision at hand — the election of a pope, who will guide the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion followers across the globe. While there is no set time limit for the conclave, the fact that this election is being conducted by the most diverse group of cardinals ever gathered speaks to the challenges of reaching consensus in a church that faces a multitude of cultural, social, and theological considerations.
The Voting Process and Expectations
A cardinal must secure a two-thirds majority in the conclave to be elected pope. While only one ballot was held on Wednesday, the cardinals are permitted to hold up to four votes per day. The first round, however, made it clear that no consensus had been reached. The voting is conducted in secret, with each cardinal casting their vote in private. To protect the integrity of the election process, the cardinals take oaths of secrecy, and the Vatican ensures that all forms of communication are strictly controlled during the conclave.
Cardinals are isolated from the outside world during this process. Their cell phones are confiscated upon entering the Sistine Chapel, and all airwaves around the Vatican are jammed to prevent external interference. The conclave continues under tight security, as the cardinals deliberate and vote until a clear leader is chosen.
The Call for Guidance and Reflection
The conclave officially began earlier on Wednesday with a morning mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Senior cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is presiding over the proceedings, led the congregation in a prayer for divine guidance. During the mass, Re prayed for the cardinals to be enlightened to choose “the pope our time needs,” a poignant reminder of the responsibilities facing the Church in selecting a new leader.
Following the mass, the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, where the voting process began. The Church is now in a period of waiting, with hopes for a swift conclusion tempered by the knowledge that these elections can often stretch over several days.
Pope Francis’ Passing and the Need for a New Leader
The conclave was called following the death of the previous pope, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a papacy that spanned nearly a decade, during which Pope Francis became a beloved and sometimes controversial figure. His leadership was marked by a focus on global social issues, climate change, and the ongoing efforts to reform the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’ death has left a significant void in the Church, and the conclave is tasked with selecting a new leader who will continue his legacy while guiding the Church through new challenges. While the cardinals in the conclave come from diverse backgrounds and regions, they all share the responsibility of choosing someone capable of leading the global Catholic community during this critical time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Catholic Church
As the conclave continues, the eyes of the world will remain fixed on St. Peter’s Square, waiting for signs of white smoke, signaling that a new pope has been chosen. While the first round of voting has concluded with black smoke, the deliberations are expected to intensify as the cardinals continue to debate and vote.
In the days to come, more votes will be cast, and perhaps the consensus needed to elect the next pope will finally be reached. Until then, the faithful will continue to pray for guidance and strength as the Catholic Church enters a new era of leadership.
