Intrgues As First Round Of Conclave Ends Without New Pope

The first round of voting in the conclave to elect a new pope ended without a decision on Wednesday, as black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—signaling to the world that the cardinals had not yet reached a consensus.

According to AFP, the symbolic smoke appeared after 133 cardinal electors cast their ballots, meaning the process will continue today.

Before the cardinals entered the conclave, a cryptic remark from 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, raised eyebrows. As they moved into the Sistine Chapel, he was heard telling Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin “auguri e doppi” — a phrase that loosely translates to “congratulations twice” or “best wishes twice.” The comment has since fueled speculation that Parolin may be a front-runner for the papacy.

GWG.ng reports that at 4:30 p.m. local time, the cardinal electors solemnly processed from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel. Following the traditional declaration of extra omnes (“everyone out”) by papal master of ceremonies Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the chapel doors were sealed, marking the beginning of the sacred and secretive voting process.

The Sistine Chapel has hosted papal elections since the 15th century. The most recent conclave in 2013 elected Pope Francis after just five ballots — one of the fastest in modern history. But historically, some conclaves have stretched on for months. The longest on record, from 1268 to 1271, lasted nearly three years and resulted in the election of Pope Gregory X.

Conclave Procedures and Smoke Signals

After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. If a decision has not been made, chemicals are added to produce black smoke. White smoke, on the other hand, signals that a new pope has been elected. Until then, the eyes of the world remain fixed on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.

Before voting began, Cardinal Re delivered the traditional Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting on the challenges facing the Church today. Without naming Pope Francis directly—a break from the pre-conclave homilies of 2005 and 2013—Re acknowledged the divisions among cardinals over Francis’ inclusive leadership style, which some critics say has introduced confusion.

Re emphasized the need for unity among the cardinals, but clarified that this unity should not equate to uniformity. “It must be a firm and profound communion in diversity, provided that full fidelity to the gospel is maintained,” he said.

He further called on the cardinals to choose a leader capable of awakening moral and spiritual consciousness in a world in crisis. “Let us pray that we are led to pick a pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society,” Re added — a reference to the Church’s renewed focus on evangelism and social engagement.

As the conclave continues today, the world watches in anticipation for the white smoke that will announce the arrival of a new leader for the global Catholic Church.
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