The 2025 papal conclave’s first day ended with black smoke, signaling no new pope has been elected. 133 cardinals will resume voting Thursday as 45,000 faithful await white smoke in St. Peter’s Square.

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Solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica: The Conclave to Elect the New Pope Begins

Opening Day of 2025 Conclave Ends with Black Smoke – No Pope Elected

The first day of the 2025 conclave, held in the historic Sistine Chapel, concluded with high anticipation and a clear message: the black smoke that emerged shortly after 9:00 PM (local time) in Rome indicates that the required majority to elect a new pope was not reached. This event marks a crucial moment for the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis in April, leaving the 133 cardinal electors without a candidate securing the necessary 89 votes.

Four Daily Votes to Continue Until a Decision Is Reached

The conclave, expected to be lengthy, will resume on Thursday with the usual format of up to four daily ballots—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. If the votes remain inconclusive, the ballots will be burned together, producing smoke visible from St. Peter’s Square to signal the progress.

Approximately 45,000 faithful gathered to witness the event must wait until white smoke appears, announcing the election of the new pontiff.

Solemn Rituals and Global Attention on the Vatican

The day began with a meditation by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, followed by the preparation of voting cards and the drawing of scrutineers. This ritual highlights the solemnity and order that define the conclave, a process rich in symbolism and tradition.

With the eyes of the Catholic world fixed on the proceedings, the cardinals will reconvene in the Apostolic Palace to celebrate Holy Mass before continuing with the second round of voting.

As anticipation grows, the faithful anxiously await the moment when white smoke will announce the successor to Pope Francis, who will guide the Church in these uncertain times. History is unfolding, and the future of the papacy hangs in the balance within the Sistine Chapel.

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