Black Smoke Signals No New Pope Yet as Conclave Heads to Second Vote
Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signalling that the first vote in the secretive papal conclave failed to produce a new pope.
The symbolic smoke, a tradition dating back centuries, indicated that none of the 133 cardinal-electors reached the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—to succeed the late Pope Francis.
The signal came four hours after the cardinals entered the chapel in solemn procession, took oaths of secrecy, and began deliberations under tight security and ancient ritual.
“This was an hour longer than it took for smoke to appear after the first vote in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis,” observers noted.
The cardinals will now retire for the night to their Vatican accommodations, with a second round of voting scheduled for Thursday.
Thousands of faithful had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, braving the Roman dusk in hopes of seeing white smoke, which would have meant a new pontiff had been chosen. Instead, they watched as black smoke rose—marking a continuation of the suspense and global anticipation.
This marks only the beginning of the 2025 papal conclave, a process steeped in centuries-old tradition and mystery, as the Catholic Church seeks a leader to guide its 1.3 billion followers into a new era.
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Black Smoke Signals No New Pope Yet as Conclave Heads to Second Vote