Papal Conclave Live Updates: Black Smoke Signals No Pope Elected in First Vote as Succession Process Begins

Black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, indicating the papal conclave has not chosen a new pope.

By Jerry Smith for Hoosier Enquirer

VATICAN CITY – Black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel Wednesday evening, signaling that the first round of voting in the papal conclave has concluded without a new pope. The centuries-old tradition to select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics is now underway, with 133 cardinal-electors sealed inside the Sistine Chapel, barred from contact with the outside world until a successor to Pope Francis is chosen.

A Historic Moment Begins

The conclave opened with solemnity as the red-robed cardinals, all under 80 and eligible to vote, processed into the Sistine Chapel to the sound of a choir and organ music. At 9 a.m. ET, the Vatican governorate cut all telecommunications signals for those involved, ensuring the electors’ isolation. The doors were sealed, marking the start of a process that will continue until white smoke announces the election of the next pontiff, who will soon after appear on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to greet the faithful.

The cardinal-electors face a pivotal decision: whether to choose a pope who will continue the progressive legacy of Pope Francis—known for his advocacy for migrants, the environment, and social justice—or one who will steer the Church toward a more traditional path.

Black Smoke and a Restless Crowd

After more than three hours of waiting, black smoke emerged past 9 p.m. local time, dashing hopes for a swift decision. For the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the mood shifted from excitement to impatience. Some grew weary, with aching feet and limited access to food and water taking a toll. At one point, a golf cart navigated through the crowd to assist someone needing medical attention, while others left the square entirely.

The faithful found ways to pass the time, cheering seagulls that perched near the chimney or clapping in hopes of encouraging the cardinals inside. Yet, the moment of the black smoke was nearly missed. With darkness obscuring the chimney, most relied on large screens broadcasting the event—only for those screens to cut out seconds before the smoke appeared, leaving many straining to catch a glimpse.

Faith Amid the Wait

For those who remained, the spectacle was secondary to the spiritual weight of the moment. “I was asking my soul, ‘What’s with the long wait?’” said Mac Bean, a 27-year-old priest from Zimbabwe, dressed in a white flat cap and clerical collar. “But it’s normal not to get a decision on the first try.”

Bean’s sentiment reflects the patience of the faithful, who understand that the conclave is a deliberate process. Historically, conclaves have varied in length, with some concluding in days and others stretching longer. The cardinals will continue voting, typically twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

What Lies Ahead

As the conclave progresses, the world watches for the next signal from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke will indicate another inconclusive vote, while white smoke will herald the election of the 266th pope. The new pontiff’s identity and vision will shape the future of the Catholic Church, influencing its stance on global issues and its role in the lives of its 1.4 billion followers.

For now, the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and Catholics worldwide hold vigil, their anticipation tempered by faith. The Hoosier Enquirer will continue to provide live updates as this historic process unfolds.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Note: This article incorporates details provided by the user and adheres to the guidelines for factual reporting. For real-time updates, readers are encouraged to follow credible news sources or official Vatican channels.