First Day of Papal Voting Ends without a Decision

Update May 8th, 2025: Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening as the first day of voting came to a close. It’s a pretty rare thing for a pope to be chosen on the first day, but there is one cardinal that seems to be a front runner: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, according to a William Hill market analysis picked up by Newsweek.

Breaking: Black smoke is billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals has not yet elected a successor to Pope Francis. #Conclave #CatholicChurch pic.twitter.com/CA6tDVK3CY

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) May 7, 2025

Over 133 cardinals dressed in red robes processed into the Sistine chapel as choir sang, organ music played. Then the doors were locked behind them. During the conclave they are prohibited from leaving or having any contact with the outside world so they could focus on praying and listening for the guidance of God regarding who should become the new pope, according to NBC News. 

Pope Francis made his recommendations regarding his replacement prior to his passing; 108 were specifically named. Of those, five have risen to the top and are being highlighted by CBS News.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin is 70 years old and considered a career diplomat with a global vision. He presently holds the position of the Vatican’s secretary of state.

Cardinal Peter Erdo is 72 years old and a canon lawyer from Hungary. He’s considered a traditionalist but still very respected by those with more liberal views. For this reason, it’s believed he may be able to be a strong unifier for the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo is 65 years old and from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He isn’t supportive of same-sex marriage but is a strong supporter of social justice. 

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is 60 years old and rather outspoken about the Israel-Hamas war. He has visited Gaza during the war. He also considers himself a servant to the people and is viewed as having a true shepherd’s heart.  

Cardinal Mario Grech is 68 years old and also a canon lawyer. He’s from Malta, and his leadership style is more consultative and inclusive.

All of the cardinals eligible to vote will vote twice per day, once in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The color of the smoke that comes out of a chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel after each voting session indicates whether or not a new pope has been chosen. If it’s black, there hasn’t been a decision made. If it’s white, they have agreed on a new pope, according to The Guardian.

It’s a very rare thing for a pope to be elected on the first day. That hasn’t happened in centuries. A two-thirds majority is necessary in order to declare a new pope, according to Reuters.

Conclave now: Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel, singing the Litany of Saints as they prepare to take their solemn oath for the election of the Roman Pontiff. All eyes of the world are fixed on the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/hc3zT0uxVH

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) May 7, 2025

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mario Tama/Staff

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities. 

Originally published May 07, 2025.