Conclave: Black smoke, no Pope yet

WorldView · RGK.co.ke · May 7, 2025

A chair is taken away at the end of a final Mass celebrated by cardinals inside St. Peter's Basilica, before the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. PHOTO/ AP Gregorio Borgia

In Summary

The cardinals in the chapel have no communication with the outside world until a new pope is elected.

After a lengthy wait, black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel's chimney this evening.

This means that the cardinals have not been able to choose a new pontiff.

Crowds were gathered in their tens of thousands in St Peter's Square for the first vote of conclave - the results of which took more than three hours to announce.

The cardinals in the chapel have no communication with the outside world until a new pope is elected.

🔴 Live Updates

May 7, 22:13

Black smoke

Smoke seen emerging from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney - and it's black.

This means that there will be more rounds of voting tomorrow, and going forward if no decision is made.

May 7, 19:44

Doors closed

The papal master of ceremonies has now closed the doors and the conclave has begun.

The word for conclave comes from the Latin for "cum clave", or "locked with key".

The Vatican cameras have departed from the chapel as many believers, tourists, curious onlookers, and press from around the world are gathered at this hour in St Peter's Square awaiting the first smoke.

The doors of the Sistine Chapel closed. PHOTO/BBC

May 7, 18:37

Cardinals continue to swear conclave oath

The cardinals are swearing their oaths to abide by the rules of the conclave.

There are 133 cardinals, and many at still queuing up to take the oath.

All vow to observe "absolute and perpetual secrecy".

Although they come from the across the world, they are speaking in Latin - the official language of the Roman Catholic Church.

Taking the oath. PHOTO/POOL

May 7, 16:30

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, has called on his peers to choose a leader who can guide the Catholic Church in tough times

The cardinal leading the Mass before the conclave, Giovanni Battista Re, has called on his peers to choose a leader who can guide the Catholic Church during what he calls a "difficult and complex" point in time.

Giovanni Battista Re. PHOTO/REUTERS

May 7, 16:25

Archbishop of Westminster says he feels 'quite intimidated' ahead of conclave

The leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales has said he and his fellow cardinals face a "big call" as the secret voting process to elect a new pope begins.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of more than 130 electors who will be meet in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel during the conclave, with no contact with the outside world until they have chosen the next pontiff.