On Wednesday evening at 21:01, black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the 133 cardinal electors were unable to elect a new pope on their first ballot.

This election follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, making him the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The cardinal electors took an extended period, remaining in the Sistine Chapel for over three hours following the 'Extra Omnes' instruction, which prohibits entry to unauthorized individuals.

The crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, numbering approximately 45,000 to 50,000 people, responded with impatient applause and scattered whistles as the black smoke signaled the unsuccessful vote.

It is relatively rare for a new pope to be elected on the first round of voting, as cardinals are often still gauging support for potential candidates at this stage.

Only one voting session was held today.

Starting tomorrow, two voting sessions will be conducted in both the morning and afternoon until two-thirds of the 133 cardinal electors—at least 89 individuals—cast their votes for the same candidate.

During the voting process, the cardinals offer a prayer and inscribe the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, which bears the inscription 'Eligo in Summum Pontificem,' meaning 'I elect as Supreme Pontiff.' The ballots are then placed into a golden chalice.

Should the vote be unsuccessful, meaning the required two-thirds majority is not achieved, the ballots are burned using a chemical agent that produces black smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, indicating that a new pope has not yet been elected.

In contrast, a successful vote would trigger the use of a different agent that creates white smoke, signaling the election of a new leader for the world’s approximately 1.5 billion Catholics.

Following the successful selection, the new pope is asked behind closed doors if he accepts the position, and what name he wishes to adopt.

He then takes his place on the papal throne, and each cardinal pledges allegiance to him individually.

The announcement of the new pope's identity is made by the senior cardinal-deacon, currently French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who will declare 'Habemus Papam' from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where the new pope will greet the congregation gathered below.

The cardinal electors plan to gather for voting sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as well as 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. throughout Thursday, continuing the process until a new pope is elected.

The papal conclave has commenced, and remarks from one prominent cardinal have hinted at potential candidates, although there has been less focus on the other Hungarian cardinal, who could also be a worthy successor to Pope Francis.