Black smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel around 8pm on Wednesday evening, signalling that the first ballot of the papal conclave ended without the election of a new Pope.
An estimated 45,000 faithful had gathered in St Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the small chimney that carries global significance.
Smoke was expected shortly after 7 pm, but it took nearly an hour longer for the black plume to emerge, confirming an inconclusive vote.
The conclave, convened to elect the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, will resume voting today with two ballots scheduled for the morning and two for the evening.
Under the rules, black smoke signals that no candidate has secured the required majority. Smoke, accompanied by the tolling of bells, will announce the election of a new Pope.
This conclave is one of the most diverse in the Church’s history, drawing 133 cardinal-electors from 70 countries.
A two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes—is required for any candidate to be declared Pope.
If no Pope emerges after three days of voting, the cardinals will pause for a day of prayer and informal discussions, followed by a spiritual exhortation delivered by the senior cardinal deacon, before voting will resume.
Should the conclave reach 21 inconclusive rounds, only the two candidates with the highest votes in the previous round will remain eligible, though neither will be allowed to vote.
Earlier on Wednesday, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice (Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff) in St Peter’s Basilica.
At about 3:45 pm, the cardinal-electors assembled in the Pauline Chapel and processed into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Inside the chapel, each cardinal took an oath of secrecy, swearing on the Gospel: “So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.” With the solemn proclamation “Extra omnes” (“Everyone out”), all non-essential personnel exited.
Cantalamessa then delivered a spiritual meditation, ushering the cardinals into prayerful reflection before deliberations began.
Secrecy is absolute.
All involved—cardinals, medical staff, liturgical aides, and domestic workers—are bound by strict confidentiality, with the penalty of latae sententiae excommunication for breaches.
The Vatican has also implemented tight security, including signal jammers, surveillance sweeps, and a complete ban on electronic devices, ensuring the conclave remains sealed from the outside world.
No one knows what is unfolding within the chapel’s frescoed walls, but across the globe, eyes remain fixed on a single chimney—arguably the most important in the world.
©Culled from the Punch
