The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, following his death on April 21, 2025, began Wednesday, May 7, with no pope chosen.
Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel at 9:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. EDT), showing the 133 cardinals didn’t reach the two-thirds majority (89 votes) needed.
Wednesday’s conclave started with a 10:00 a.m. Mass led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, urging a pope to inspire faith. By 4:15 p.m., cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, sealed after oaths.
The first ballot produced black smoke at 9:00 p.m., typical for initial votes. About 45,000 in St. Peter’s Square left hopeful.
On Thursday, two morning ballots also failed, with black smoke at 11:50 a.m. Voting resumes at 4:00 p.m. as crowds await white smoke in St. Peter’s Square.
Thursday’s votes, starting 9:30 a.m., ended with black smoke at 11:50 a.m. Voting resumes at 4:00 p.m., with smoke expected at 5:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Some 15,000 gathered, hoping for a “voice of reason” pope.
Three ballots match recent conclaves: Francis took five (2013), Benedict XVI four (2005), John Paul II eight (1978). Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle are favorites.
The diverse electors from 70 countries make this unpredictable.
All eyes are now on the Sistine Chapel chimney for the afternoon smoke watch, expected around 5:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. EDT).
The global Catholic community, along with thousands in St. Peter’s Square, awaits the white smoke that will announce “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
Until then, the conclave continues its sacred task under Michelangelo’s frescoes, guided by prayer and the weight of leading the Church into an uncertain future.
