Just under four hours after 133 cardinals entered the conclave under solemn oath and total secrecy, the first round of voting has ended without a result. The unmistakable symbol—dark smoke—rose slowly into the Roman twilight sky, signaling that no candidate received the required two-thirds majority.
As tradition dictates, the cardinals are now sealed off from all outside communication and will retire overnight before resuming deliberations tomorrow. Inside the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s fresco of The Last Judgment, they will continue their sacred task: discerning who among them is called to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics as the 267th pope.
Crowds Wait in Anticipation—and Silence
The scene in St. Peter’s Square was charged with reverence and suspense. Tens of thousands of pilgrims, clergy, journalists, and onlookers watched the chapel chimney for over three hours following the conclave’s start. The delay in the appearance of smoke—white for a new pope, black for no decision—only deepened the anticipation.
When the black smoke finally emerged, a gentle wave of disappointment passed through the crowd. Still, many remained, praying or waiting quietly in the hope of a quicker resolution tomorrow.
Inside the Conclave: A Sacred Secrecy
Because of the strict confidentiality surrounding the conclave, the reasons for today’s impasse remain a mystery. No cardinal is permitted to reveal anything from inside the proceedings, now or ever. “We may never know what caused the delay,” said Mathew Schmalz, professor of Catholic studies at the College of the Holy Cross, in an interview with the BBC.
Schmalz added, “I’m kind of nervous that there seems to be some ripples in the process… These are cardinals who are still getting to know one another. Unless they agree on a clear, familiar candidate, deliberations may take some time.”
He noted that while most modern conclaves are swift—typically lasting two to three days—the current diversity within the College of Cardinals could extend the process slightly. “I’d expect this one to be just a day longer than usual,” he suggested.
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What Happens Now?
The cardinals will reconvene tomorrow morning for another round of ballots, with up to four votes possible per day—two in the morning, two in the afternoon. The conclave will continue until white smoke signals a successful election. At that moment, the Vatican bell will ring, and the world will hear the traditional announcement: Habemus Papam—“We have a pope.”
Until then, the Vatican—and the world—waits in spiritual stillness and expectation.
Stay with New Daily Prime for continuing live coverage from Vatican City as the papal conclave unfolds.
