Black Smoke Persists: No Pope Elected in Vatican Conclave

The Vatican conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, officially began on Wednesday, May 7, but has yet to yield a new pontiff.

At 9:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. EDT) on Wednesday, black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signifying that no candidate among the 133 cardinal electors secured the required two-thirds majority (89 votes).

Earlier that day, the conclave was preceded by a solemn Mass led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who called for the election of a pope capable of renewing faith and hope. The cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel at 4:15 p.m., taking oaths before the chapel was sealed for voting.

The first vote, traditionally inconclusive, confirmed expectations with black smoke. Yet, the 45,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square remained hopeful.

On Thursday morning, two additional ballots also failed to elect a pope. At 11:50 a.m., black smoke again poured from the chapel chimney. Voting is set to continue at 4:00 p.m., with more smoke expected at 5:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. local time. Approximately 15,000 people continue to gather, watching for the moment when white smoke signals the birth of a new papacy.

This conclave’s voting pace is consistent with previous elections: Pope Francis was chosen after five ballots in 2013, Benedict XVI after four in 2005, and John Paul II after eight in 1978.

Among the leading candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, though the diversity of the electors—representing 70 nations—adds to the unpredictability.

The world now awaits the historic “Habemus Papam” announcement, as the conclave continues its solemn duty beneath the iconic frescoes of Michelangelo, with the hopes and prayers of over a billion Catholics resting on the outcome.