Thousands of believers, pilgrims, and tourists looked eagerly toward the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the evening – and were disappointed: at 9:03 p.m., black smoke rose. The first ballot of the conclave to elect the 267th pope was inconclusive.

The 133 cardinals eligible to vote have been meeting behind closed doors since Wednesday afternoon. However, none of the churchmen has yet been able to secure the necessary two-thirds majority to succeed Pope Francis, who died in April.

Tension in St. Peter’s Square – and a surprising “cloud”

The tension in St. Peter’s Square was palpable. Tens of thousands of people waited, many with binoculars and smartphones – because the world was looking up at the chimney of the most famous chapel in the world.

When the signal finally came three hours after the start of the conclave, it was not the hoped-for white. Instead: dark smoke – no new pope.

For a moment, a formation of white contrails from an airplane above the chimney caused excitement among those waiting – many initially thought they were a sign of the conclave. It was a tongue-in-cheek moment in the midst of a deeply spiritual and historic situation.

The election is open

With the first ballot, what is probably the most traditional election process in the world has officially begun. In the coming days, the cardinals may now hold up to four ballots a day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. If none of the candidates achieves the necessary majority, the process will continue – if necessary, over many days. When white smoke will rise remains to be seen.

Retreat into prayer and discussion

After the failed start, the cardinals returned to their secluded quarters in the Vatican guesthouse Santa Marta. They will spend the entire duration of the conclave there. Without cell phones, laptops, or any connection to the outside world, they will devote their evenings to conversation, prayer, or personal reflection—far from worldly influences.

More than just a spiritual leader

The new pope will be more than just the head of the Roman Catholic Church for 1.4 billion believers worldwide. He will take office as Bishop of Rome, head of state of the Vatican and – according to Catholic understanding – as Christ’s representative on earth, the direct successor of the Apostle Peter.

Vatican insiders expect that the new pope could be elected by the end of the week – but that is not certain. Conclaves have lasted days, but also weeks. Until then, the eyes of the world will continue to be fixed on the small chimney above the roof of the Sistine Chapel – searching for a spark of white smoke and an answer to the question: Who will be the next pope?

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Vatikan