Black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney on Tuesday, an indication that the College of Cardinals has not yet come up with a decision in electing a new pope in the first round of voting.
This result was expected to some extent, as there are 133 cardinal electors in attendance many of whom are new appointments made by Pope Francis and who are yet to get to know each other. This unfamiliarity would, of course, extend the process of decision-making, as the cardinals try to find the right individual to take control of the Catholic Church.
Black smoke emerged from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 21:00 on Wednesday evening, signalling that a first ballot has been held at the conclave and has concluded without the election of a Pope.https://t.co/hlmAJdskTO pic.twitter.com/AKxuUbDK2g
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 7, 2025
Though the slowdown has generated attention, Vatican watchers warn against speculation, referring to the broad range of possible variables at play.
The conclave will resume for further rounds of voting on Wednesday, with a maximum of four votes: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Until white smoke signals agreement, the world will remain in suspense waiting for the next pontiff to be announced.
