BREAKING: Black Smoke Emerges from Sistine Chapel on First Day of Papal Conclave, Signaling No Pope Has Been Elected Yet as the World Awaits New Leader of the Catholic Church

Vatican City — May 7, 2025 — A plume of black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel late Tuesday afternoon, signaling to the world that no new pope has been elected in the first round of voting by the College of Cardinals. The centuries-old tradition continues to captivate Catholics and observers across the globe, as the Church embarks on its sacred and secretive process of selecting a new spiritual leader.

The black smoke—created by burning the cardinals’ paper ballots mixed with chemicals to ensure the appropriate color—confirms that no candidate received the two-thirds majority required to become the next pope. The signal was met with a hushed response from the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, many of whom had waited for hours in hopes of seeing the white smoke that would announce the election of the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Papal Conclave, held inside the Sistine Chapel, commenced earlier today following days of preparations and prayer. A total of 117 cardinal-electors under the age of 80 from all corners of the world are taking part in the process. Once the conclave doors were closed and the traditional “Extra Omnes” (all others out) command was given, the cardinals began their solemn duty.

This first day of voting typically involves one or two ballots. Historically, early rounds seldom result in a definitive outcome, as the cardinals often use initial votes to gauge support for potential frontrunners and explore consensus-building among geographic and ideological factions within the Church.

The atmosphere in Vatican City has been one of reverence and quiet anticipation. Pilgrims, tourists, and media from across the globe have filled the square, holding rosaries, waving flags, and watching the chapel chimney with rapt attention. As darkness falls, many remain in prayer, awaiting further news from within the conclave.

According to Vatican protocol, up to four votes may be held per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pope is elected. Each voting session ends with either black smoke if no consensus is reached, or white smoke accompanied by the ringing of bells when a pope is chosen.

The process is deeply steeped in ritual, secrecy, and symbolism. The cardinals are sworn to absolute confidentiality, and they are secluded from the outside world without phones, internet, or media access until a decision is made. Once a pope is elected and accepts the role, he is asked to choose a papal name, dressed in white vestments, and presented to the world with the announcement, “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a Pope!”

Until then, the world watches and waits. The next smoke signal is expected after the second day of voting on Wednesday.