No Pope Yet: Black Smoke Rises from Vatican Chapel

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

On May 8, 2025, a dark plume of smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney—signaling that Catholic cardinals have not yet chosen a new pope in their first round of voting.

According to a report by PM News, the 133 cardinals, locked away from the world, are gathered in Vatican City following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. As tradition demands, their phones were taken and all outside communication blocked during the conclave.

The cardinals, drawn from around 70 countries, will return to the chapel Thursday to cast their votes again until one of them secures the required 89 votes to become pope.

Crowds packed St Peter’s Square, watching live screens and waiting for a signal from the chimney. Some drifted away, but others stayed, erupting in cheers as the black smoke finally appeared—marking a dramatic but inconclusive start to the papal election.