Black Smoke from Sistine Chapel Signals No Pope Elected on First Day of Vatican Conclave

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday night, indicating that the first day of the Vatican conclave ended without a decision on the next pope.

At 9:05 p.m. local time, the signal confirmed that the 133 cardinals locked in the conclave had failed to reach the required two-thirds majority to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Thousands of pilgrims and onlookers—more than 45,000—had gathered in St Peter’s Square despite widespread expectations that the first ballot would be inconclusive. The crowd responded with loud applause as the black smoke rose into the Roman sky, a ritual steeped in centuries-old tradition.

The day began with a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, followed by the cardinals’ oath of secrecy. Voting commenced around 5:45 p.m. and concluded with the anticipated smoke signal just over three hours later.

A seagull briefly perched on the chapel chimney, drawing both smiles and symbolic interpretations from the crowd, echoing similar moments in past conclaves.

While the cardinals deliberated inside, peaceful demonstrations were held nearby, calling for greater inclusion of women in Church leadership. Protesters held banners and chanted slogans, urging the Church to reform its hierarchical structure.

The conclave will resume Thursday morning and will continue until a new pope is elected. The election requires a two-thirds majority, and ballots will be cast twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon each day until white smoke signals success.