Black Smoke Emerges from Sistine Chapel Chimney on May 7, Signaling No New Pope Elected
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
A Historic Pause in the Vatican: Black Smoke from the Sistine Chapel
The 2025 Papal Conclave began with solemn tradition and global attention, but the first day closed with no pope elected. As black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on the evening of May 7, Catholics around the world were reminded of the weight and deliberation behind selecting the next spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion people.
This momentous conclave follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who led the Church for over a decade with a focus on compassion, inclusion, and global outreach. His death marked the end of an era — and the beginning of a closely watched election.
What Does the Black Smoke Mean?
In papal conclave tradition, black smoke (fumata nera) indicates that no candidate received the necessary two-thirds majority of the votes. The College of Cardinals, comprised this year of 133 electors from more than 70 countries, cast ballots in secret. At least 89 votes are required for one cardinal to be named the next pope.
Cardinals Gather Inside St. Peter’s Basilica During Vatican Proceedings
Photo Credit: Stefano Spaziani/Europa Press via Getty Images
While the world watches with anticipation, Vatican insiders say it’s common for the first few ballots to be inconclusive. Even Pope Francis, hailed as a transformational figure, was elected only after five ballots in 2013.
Who Are the Leading Contenders?
Among the prominent names reportedly gaining attention is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. While he is said to have drawn initial support from around 50 cardinals, that's still far from the required threshold. Other papabile (pope-hopefuls) include cardinals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia — a reflection of Pope Francis’s push for a more inclusive and globally representative Church leadership.
Observers note that the diversity of this conclave may lead to dynamic discussions — and perhaps a longer deliberation period than usual.
What Happens Next?
The cardinals will resume voting over the next several days, holding up to four ballots per day — two in the morning, two in the afternoon. If white smoke (fumata bianca) rises, the world will know that a new pope has been elected. Bells from St. Peter’s Basilica will ring, and shortly after, the announcement “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”) will echo from the Vatican balcony.
Until then, the world waits — hopeful, prayerful, and eager to learn who will shepherd the Catholic Church into its next chapter.
Vatican Ceremony Marks the Appointment of New Cardinals at St. Peter’s Basilica
Photo Credit: Stefano Spaziani/Europa Press via Getty Images
Final Thoughts
The absence of a decision on day one underscores the gravity of the choice ahead. In a time of global uncertainty, the Catholic Church seeks a leader who can carry the torch of unity, reform, and moral clarity. Whether the new pope emerges tomorrow or in several days, history is being made behind the sealed doors of the Sistine Chapel.
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