WORLD
Advocates Philippines
No Pope Yet: Black Smoke Rises Over Sistine Chapel As First Conclave Ballot Ends Without Decision
Photo credit: The Vatican
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square held their breath—but by 9 PM on Wednesday evening, the answer was clear: still no Pope. Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the first round of voting by the College of Cardinals had wrapped up without selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church.
Despite the chilly night air, about 45,000 people had gathered in the square, eyes fixed on the small chimney atop the chapel. Many expected some sign by around 7 PM, but the hours ticked by until finally, at 9 PM, the unmistakable dark smoke puffed out, telling the world that no consensus had yet been reached.
Among the faithful was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania, who shared his thoughts with Vatican News. “Our role here is to pray,” he said, “and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process.”
He added a hopeful message that resonated across languages and continents: “Wherever the new Pope comes from—whether it’s Africa, Asia, America—what we need is a holy Pope. We need a Pope who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church.”
As the crowd slowly began to disperse for the night, many remained in prayerful anticipation. The world waits—perhaps just a little longer—for that white smoke to rise.
Despite the chilly night air, about 45,000 people had gathered in the square, eyes fixed on the small chimney atop the chapel. Many expected some sign by around 7 PM, but the hours ticked by until finally, at 9 PM, the unmistakable dark smoke puffed out, telling the world that no consensus had yet been reached.
Among the faithful was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania, who shared his thoughts with Vatican News. “Our role here is to pray,” he said, “and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process.”
He added a hopeful message that resonated across languages and continents: “Wherever the new Pope comes from—whether it’s Africa, Asia, America—what we need is a holy Pope. We need a Pope who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church.”
As the crowd slowly began to disperse for the night, many remained in prayerful anticipation. The world waits—perhaps just a little longer—for that white smoke to rise.
May 8, 2025
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