Black smoke after first ballot – meaning no pope elected on first day of conclave
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Black smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the cardinals have not yet agreed on a new pope.
A two-thirds majority is required for a successful election. With no consensus reached, the voting will resume tomorrow and continue daily until a decision is made.
During the conclave, the cardinals are entirely cut off from the outside world – no phones, no messages – until a new pontiff is chosen.
As the black smoke curled into the sky above the Vatican, a hush fell over the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Then, slowly, many began to walk away.
It’s rare—almost unheard of—for a pope to be chosen on the first ballot. Even so, the tens of thousands gathered had hoped this conclave might defy tradition.
Among the crowd were many tourists, drawn by the hope that their Roman holiday might coincide with history in the making.
But for locals, the mood was more solemn, more patient. Many had come straight from work to watch the chimney. They say they’ll be back again tomorrow.
