Black smoke signals no pope elected in morning conclave votes

On Thursday, black smoke emerged from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, indicating that the cardinals in a secret conclave did not elect a new pope during their morning ballots.


black smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signalling that cardinals failed to elect a new pope during their conclave in the Vatican on May 8, 2025.
Black smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signals that cardinals failed to elect a new pope during their conclave in the Vatican on May 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Journalists work at St Peter's Square with the St Peter's basilica in the background, ahead of the second voting session of the conclave, in the Vatican on May 8, 2025.
Journalists work at St Peter’s Square with St. Peter’s Basilica in the background, ahead of the second voting session of the conclave, in the Vatican on May 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

The cardinals held an initial inconclusive vote on Wednesday evening.

They conduct two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon each day until one candidate secures the required two-thirds majority to be appointed the next pontiff.

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