Vatican Conclave Fails to Elect New Pope in First Voting Session
Vatican Conclave Fails to Elect New Pope in First Voting Session
The initial round of voting among the cardinals results in black smoke, indicating they did not reach the necessary majority.
On May 7, 2025, black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, revealing that the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave could not decide on a new pope during their first vote. The process, which requires a two-thirds majority, will continue with further rounds expected to take place on Thursday.
The conclave to elect the next pontiff began amid tight security and reverence as the cardinals, the largest gathering in papal election history, entered the Sistine Chapel following a morning Mass. After deliberation, the first vote concluded with black smoke, signaling the absence of a new pope. The cardinals will remain in isolation, disconnected from external communication, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
As the hopeful crowd in St. Peter’s Square awaited news, the sight of black smoke resulted in a mixture of sighs and disappointment among onlookers. This conclave represents a pivotal moment as it follows the passing of Pope Francis, setting the stage for the church's future leadership amid internal divisions and pressing issues.
The method of communicating the voting results remains a notable tradition; black smoke indicates no consensus, while white would signify the election of a new pontiff. The intricate process carries historical significance as the church grapples with modern challenges. Voting will resume on Thursday morning as the cardinals strive to reach a decision on a successor.
The conclave to elect the next pontiff began amid tight security and reverence as the cardinals, the largest gathering in papal election history, entered the Sistine Chapel following a morning Mass. After deliberation, the first vote concluded with black smoke, signaling the absence of a new pope. The cardinals will remain in isolation, disconnected from external communication, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
As the hopeful crowd in St. Peter’s Square awaited news, the sight of black smoke resulted in a mixture of sighs and disappointment among onlookers. This conclave represents a pivotal moment as it follows the passing of Pope Francis, setting the stage for the church's future leadership amid internal divisions and pressing issues.
The method of communicating the voting results remains a notable tradition; black smoke indicates no consensus, while white would signify the election of a new pontiff. The intricate process carries historical significance as the church grapples with modern challenges. Voting will resume on Thursday morning as the cardinals strive to reach a decision on a successor.
