Black smoke rose from the temporary chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the sun set over St Peter’s Square, signalling to thousands gathered below that no new pope had been elected on the first day of the Catholic Church’s papal conclave. The smoke appeared more than three hours after the cardinals entered the chapel, taking longer than the initial vote during the 2013 conclave which selected Pope Francis. The faithful waited patiently for the signal, many standing silently while others sang hymns or watched live broadcasts until giant screens went dark at 9pm local time, prompting audible groans from the crowd.
Figure 1: Black smoke emerges as no new pope has been elected on day 1
Cardinals Begin the Secret Process
Earlier on Wednesday, the 133 eligible cardinal electors from 70 countries gathered in solemn prayer inside the Pauline Chapel before proceeding into the 15th-century Sistine Chapel where tables and chairs were arranged beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes. Each cardinal took an oath of secrecy, then approached the altar one by one to vow not to reveal any details of the deliberations. According to a Vatican video feed, they filed past the Renaissance master’s depiction of the Last Judgement before the master of ceremonies announced “Extra omnes” – Latin for “Everybody out” – and shut the chapel’s heavy doors to begin the centuries-old ritual.
Figure 2: The 133 eligible cardinal electors from 70 countries gathered in solemn prayer
Voting Requirements and Procedures
To elect a pope, the cardinal electors must reach a two-thirds majority, which means securing at least 89 votes. The cardinals, all under the age of 80, will continue voting four times per day – twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. If the process fails to produce a result after three days, the electors will pause for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming the voting rounds until one candidate gains the required support.
A Diverse and Divided Assembly
This conclave marks the most international and the largest in the Church’s long history, yet no clear frontrunner had emerged by the time the chapel’s doors closed. Cardinals have debated whether to choose a leader from the global South, as they did in 2013 with Francis from Argentina, or return the papacy to Europe, or even consider, for the first time, a pontiff from the United States. The electors have spent recent days discussing the most urgent issues facing the Church and the characteristics needed in its new leader.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, who passed away recently, had appointed nearly 80 per cent of the current cardinal electors. His influence on the conclave remains significant, as many cardinals hope to preserve and build upon his legacy. Francis had championed marginalised communities and taken bold steps to reform Church administration. Some cardinals now seek a pope who will continue these efforts, while others favour a return to stricter doctrinal interpretations and a more conservative direction. Key topics under discussion include papal declining numbers of priests, the role of women, financial management within the Vatican, and strategies for aligning Church practices with the modern world.
Public Interest and Global Attention
As the conclave began, the atmosphere in Vatican City grew increasingly intense. The Via della Conciliazione leading to St Peter’s Square filled with pilgrims, clergy, media crews, and curious onlookers, all hoping to witness any developments. As night approached, the square remained full, papal with many young people and families still present. One woman held a miniature black poodle dressed in papal attire, drawing smiles from bystanders. Despite the uncertain outcome, the crowd maintained a steady vigil, turning their eyes to the chimney with each passing hour.
Calls for Unity and Reflection
Before the conclave commenced, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91 and no longer eligible to vote, delivered a sermon urging unity. He told the cardinals they must put aside “every personal consideration” and think only of “the good of the Church and of humanity”. He emphasised the papal need for a pope who could respect the diversity within the Church, stating, “Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity”.
Next Steps in the Conclave
The cardinal electors will reconvene on Thursday morning to papal celebrate Mass before returning to the Sistine Chapel for the next voting session. If that vote proves inconclusive, they will immediately proceed with another, followed by two more ballots in the afternoon. Modern conclaves tend to conclude swiftly, with the last two papal elections both finalised within two days. Some cardinals have expressed hope that a new pope could be chosen by Thursday or Friday, symbolising consensus and stability at a critical time. For now, the eyes of 1.4 billion Catholics remain fixed on the Vatican as the cardinals continue their papal deliberations behind closed doors, while the smoke from the chapel’s chimney remains the only visible sign of progress.
