May 7, 2025
No Pope Yet: Black Smoke Marks Unsuccessful First Day of Conclave
Updated by Anastasios Gordon Sekandi at 22:30 EAT Wednesday 07 May 2025 Black smoke coming out of the chimney of Sistine Chapel. Courtesy Photo. Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 21:00, signaling that no pope was elected on the first day of the conclave. This followed the traditional closing of the chapel doors with the Latin phrase “Extra omnes” — “Everyone…