On the evening of May 7, 2025, the Vatican witnessed the first black smoke signal emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the 133 cardinal electors had failed to elect a new Pope. This moment followed over three hours of anticipation during the initial voting session of the conclave, which commenced with the traditional "Extra omnes"—a Latin phrase meaning "Everyone out," signaling the closure of the chapel doors to all but the electors.
As the sun set, over 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, their eyes fixed on the chimney, eagerly awaiting the outcome. The crowd's excitement turned to disappointment as the black smoke billowed forth at 9 PM, later than expected. The delay was attributed to the lengthy meditation led by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, which lasted 45 minutes, and the fact that many of the cardinal electors were new to the process and did not speak Italian fluently.
Among those present was former Roma coach Daniele De Rossi, who, along with the crowd, had hoped for a different outcome. "We hoped until the last," expressed a disappointed attendee, Greta Pappalardo from Caltagirone, Sicily, who was in Rome with her family. "We will come back tomorrow and hope for a new Pope," she added, echoing the sentiments of many.
The conclave, which aims to elect the 267th Pope, will continue on May 8, 2025, with a structured schedule involving four votations—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The cardinal electors will gather at 8 AM in the Apostolic Palace for Mass and Lauds in the Pauline Chapel. At 9:15 AM, they will proceed to the Sistine Chapel to recite the Mid-Hour and begin voting.
At 12:30 PM, the cardinals are scheduled to return to Santa Marta for lunch before reconvening for two more votations starting at 4:30 PM. If a new Pope is not elected during the first round of voting, the next smoke signal will be anticipated around 10:30 AM or 5:30 PM, depending on the timing of the votes.
The black smoke from the Sistine Chapel is a traditional indication that no consensus has been reached among the cardinals. To elect a new Pope, a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, is required. The 133 cardinal electors, representing a diverse array of countries, will need to engage in further discussions and deliberations in hopes of reaching that crucial number.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was vibrant, with pilgrims and tourists alike gathered to witness this historic moment. Many waved flags from their home countries, and the crowd was filled with a mix of hope and anxiety as they awaited the decision of the cardinals. The presence of law enforcement, with 4,000 units deployed for security, ensured that the event proceeded smoothly amidst the throngs of people.
As they waited, some attendees engaged in discussions about potential candidates for the papacy, with names like Pietro Parolin, Francis Prevost, and Matteo Zuppi circulating among the crowd. The excitement was palpable, as many speculated who might be chosen to lead the Catholic Church in a time marked by significant challenges.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who presided over the Mass "pro eligendo romano pontifice" earlier in the day, emphasized the need for a Pope who can resonate with the modern world. He stated, "We pray that the Holy Spirit grants us a new Pope according to God’s heart for the good of the Church and humanity." His invocation highlighted the importance of the upcoming election and the expectations for the new leader.
As the day concluded, the focus shifted back to the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals would reconvene for further deliberations. The anticipation for the next smoke signal remains high, with thousands expected to return to St. Peter's Square to witness the outcome of the next round of voting.
In summary, the first day of the conclave has set the stage for a potentially lengthy election process. With the eyes of the world on the Vatican, the cardinal electors will continue their deliberations, seeking to fulfill their sacred duty to elect a new Pope who will guide the Catholic Church into the future.
