**No New Pope Yet: Black Smoke Marks Unsuccessful First Vote in Vatican Conclave**
The Vatican remains in suspense after black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, indicating that the initial round of voting in the papal conclave has not produced a new pope. The centuries-old ritual, steeped in secrecy and tradition, saw 133 eligible cardinal electors gathered to choose the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
Cardinals from across the globe entered the conclave on Wednesday afternoon, sequestered behind the chapel’s guarded doors. This exclusive assembly, drawn from some 70 countries, is considered one of the most diverse in the Church’s history. Amidst solemn ceremony and global anticipation, four cardinals from Britain and Ireland are among the voters: Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche and Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who has spent most of his ministry in the United States.
The election process requires a two-thirds supermajority in order to select the next pope. A positive outcome is traditionally signalled by white smoke rising from the specially constructed chimney, while black smoke, as seen on Wednesday, denotes an inconclusive vote. Up to four ballots can take place per day—two each morning and afternoon—until a consensus is achieved.
Prior to casting their votes, the cardinals participated in a special Mass where the monumental weight of their task was emphasised. Addressing the congregation at St Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reminded the electors of the spiritual and global significance of their decision. He called upon them to “invoke the help of the Holy Spirit” and set aside all personal interests, focusing solely on the welfare of the Church and humanity.
In accordance with age-old tradition, once the conclave commenced, outsiders—including all Vatican staff not involved—were ordered out by the Latin command “extra omnes” before the chapel’s imposing doors were sealed. A live video stream captured this ritual as the cardinal electors pledged strict secrecy concerning all proceedings and eventual results.
Observing from St Peter’s Square, crowds of pilgrims, onlookers and international media gathered, their hopes buoyed by the anticipation of a new era for the Catholic Church. Some waved at the cameras, braving the Roman spring air as they awaited any sign from the chapel’s smokestack. Commentators note that the demographic composition of this conclave reflects the shifting centre of gravity in the worldwide Church, with growth in African, Asian and Latin American communities now increasingly represented.
Despite this diversity, concerns remain about imbalances within the conclave. Professor Gavin D’Costa, a Catholic theologian at the University of Bristol, observed that while this gathering is more representative than any in the Church’s history, it continues to feature a predominance of European cardinals—even as the continent’s Catholic population declines. The pressure, he remarked, will rest on the new pope to unify varied factions within the Church and to provide a vision for peace, justice, and cooperation in a rapidly changing world.
The urgency for spiritual and moral leadership feels particularly acute following the death of Pope Francis, affectionately remembered as “the people’s pope”. His tenure was marked by outspoken advocacy on issues like war, climate change and social inequality. His recent funeral drew mourning crowds in their hundreds of thousands, including numerous heads of state and dignitaries, underscoring the global resonance of the papacy.
As the conclave resumes voting on Thursday, the world continues to watch with keen interest. Until white smoke appears above the Sistine Chapel’s roof, the Catholic Church remains in a period of waiting—its future direction still undecided, its faithful united in prayer and anticipation.