On the evening of May 7, 2025, black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the first round of voting in the papal conclave had concluded without the election of a new pope. This outcome followed a day of anticipation, with thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, awaiting the announcement after the votes had been cast. The Vatican had expected the announcement to come shortly after 8:00 pm, but the crowd had to wait until 10:00 pm to learn that no pope had been elected during the first ballot.
Approximately 45,000 individuals had assembled in St. Peter’s Square, hoping for the moment when white smoke would signal the election of a new pope. As the black smoke billowed into the sky, it became clear that the cardinals had not reached a consensus. This was not an unexpected outcome, as the first day of voting in the conclave is often used to begin the delicate process of narrowing down the field of candidates and gauging support among the electors.
Among those gathered in St. Peter’s Square was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania. He expressed his hope that the Holy Spirit would guide the cardinals in selecting a pope who would be a spiritual leader for the entire Catholic Church. Nkoronko emphasized the importance of a pope who would be holy and dedicated to shepherding the Church, regardless of where the new pope might come from. Whether the next pontiff hails from Africa, Asia, or the Americas, Nkoronko said, the key quality sought is holiness, as the Catholic community looks for a leader who will offer guidance and shepherd the faithful in their spiritual journey.
The process of selecting a new pope is a solemn and critical one for the Catholic Church, and the conclave, which is held in the Sistine Chapel, is shrouded in secrecy and tradition. The cardinals who are eligible to vote must adhere to a vow of secrecy, and the election itself takes place behind closed doors. The conclave’s purpose is to find the right individual to lead the Church, and it can take several rounds of voting before a pope is elected. In this first round, while the cardinals cast their votes, the black smoke was an indication that a majority had not yet emerged in favor of a single candidate.
With the first round of voting now concluded, the conclave continues its work. On the morning of May 8, the cardinals will meet again in the Sistine Chapel to continue their deliberations and cast another round of votes. It is expected that the process will continue until a new pope is chosen. The waiting period is a time of reflection and prayer for Catholics around the world, who eagerly await the election of the 267th pope.
While the outcome of the first day’s voting was not as hoped for by the many gathered in St. Peter’s Square, it is still early in the process. The cardinals will continue to consider the qualities needed in a new pope, and as the conclave progresses, it is likely that the selection will become clearer. Until then, Catholics and other Christians around the globe will continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trusting that the right leader will emerge to lead the Church into the future.
