Pope Francis dies: Black smoke comes from Sistine Chapel chimney, no pope elected

VATICAN CITY — A morning Mass was held in St. Peter’s Basilica hours before 133 cardinals began the conclave to select the man who will replace Pope Francis as the next pontiff.

Black smoke, no pope

Update 3 p.m. ET May 7: Black smoke poured from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, indicating that no pope has been elected during the first vote of the conclave.

It was more than four hours since the cardinals entered the chapel until the first signs of smoke were seen, The Associated Press reported.

CNN reported the cardinals will be returning to the Santa Marta residence and sequestered until Thursday, when additional votes are cast.

Chapel doors locked

Update 11:47 a.m. ET May 7: The doors to the Sistine Chapel are closed and the conclave has begun. The next time the doors open, there will be a new person selected to lead the Catholic church, CNN reported.

The chapel is locked to outsiders and the voting will be done in secret.

Cardinals take oath

Update 11:01 a.m. ET May 7: The cardinals have sworn as a group, “with the greatest fidelity… secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff," CNN reported. It was followed by an individual oath, in order of seniority and in Latin, “And I… do promise, pledge and swear. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand."

Procession begins

Update 10:34 a.m. ET May 7: The 133 cardinals have started their procession to the Sistine Chapel. They chanted the “Litany of the Saints” and “Veni Creator,” asking for guidance from the saints and the Holy Spirit, The Associated Press reported.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, is at the conclave as one of the electors. He had asked via X that the faithful keep him and the rest of the college of cardinals who will be locked in the Sistine Chapel in their prayers.

Original report: Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88.

The cardinals returned to the Santa Maria guesthouse to rest and have lunch before the conclave formally begins, CNN reported.

At 4:30 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. ET, the cardinals will walk to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and “Veni Creator,” The Associated Press reported.

They will then take oaths, participate in a meditation and once the master of papal liturgical ceremonies presents “Extra omnes” or “all out” the doors will be closed and locked, sequestering the College of Cardinals from the outside world as they select Pope Francis’ successor, the AP reported.

Only one vote will be held today, while two will be held daily until a two-thirds majority is reached.

After each vote, the ballots will be burned in a special stove. If black smoke billows from the chimney recently installed at the chapel, no pope has been elected. If white smoke pours out, then there is a new leader of the Catholic church.

A conclave will go on for as long as needed. The longest was almost three years from 1268 to 1271. Some have been a day. The conclave that selected Pope John Paul in 1978 lasted less than three days. The conclave that chose Pope Francis took about two days.

Only one ballot will be cast on the first day, then each day after there will be two voting sessions until someone has a majority of two-thirds plus one.

If that is not reached after three days, the conclave takes a day break to allow the cardinals to pray and discuss.

Then voting resumes.

The ballots are cast in secret.

Each time a pope is not elected, the ballots will be burned in a stove and will have an additive to make black smoke, indicating that a pope has not been chosen.

When one is, the person will be asked if he accepts the position and what name under which he will serve.

The new pope will be dressed in new papal vestments and will sit on the throne in the Sistine Chapel, receiving the other cardinals who will swear obedience to him.

The senior cardinal deacon will go to the central balcony at the basilica and announce, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam” (I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope).

He will then announce the pope by his cardinal name and then the name he chose to serve as pope.

The new pope will come on the balcony as his first public appearance as pontiff and bless the crowd gathered below.

Days later, a mass will be held to celebrate his ministry.

0 of 16

2025 Cox Media Group