On the evening of Wednesday, May 7, tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, watching in suspense as the Vatican’s ancient ritual unfolded. After hours of anticipation, their waiting was met with a somber signal—black smoke curling from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, a centuries-old sign that no new Pope had yet been chosen.
The signal came at 9:00 p.m., marking the end of the first vote in the secretive papal conclave. The decision had been expected earlier, but the delay heightened the tension in the square. Vatican News later confirmed that the vote had taken place earlier in the evening, ending without the election of a new pontiff.
Roughly 45,000 people had gathered in the square, drawn by a shared hope and spiritual commitment. Many had arrived hours before the smoke signal, expecting results soon after 7:00 p.m. Instead, they stood in the cool Roman evening under the lights of the basilica, waiting for clarity that came later than anticipated.
Among the assembled crowd was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko of Tanzania. Speaking to reporters, he underscored the spiritual purpose of the gathering. “Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process,” he said, reflecting a sense of unity among the global Church.
Deacon Nkoronko also addressed the expectations surrounding the new Pope’s background. He stressed that nationality should not overshadow holiness and moral leadership. “What the Church truly needs,” he said, “is a holy Pope, someone who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church.”
Meanwhile, online reactions painted a different picture—one of skepticism, frustration, and dissent. Some commenters criticized the conclave’s secrecy, suggesting it fostered mistrust. “Swearing secrecy is not a good thing. This should be open. Secrets only leave room for deception,” wrote one user. Others were more cynical, dismissing the process altogether.
As the Vatican closed its doors for the night and the crowd slowly dispersed from St. Peter’s Square, the conclave continued its solemn, hidden deliberations. The world now turns its eyes again to Rome, awaiting the next sign—white smoke, the symbol of a decision that will shape the Catholic Church’s future.
