⛪ 2025 Papal Conclave Begins: Black Smoke Signals No New Pope in First Vote The 2025 papal conclave officially opened at the Vatican on May 7 following the passing of Pope Francis. After the first round of voting, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney—indicating that no candidate secured the two-thirds majority required to become the next pope. With 133 cardinal electors from over 70 nations, this is the largest and most globally diverse conclave in Church history. Voting continues daily until white smoke appears, signaling the election of the new pontiff. #PapalConclave2025 #Vatican #BlackSmoke #CatholicChurch #PopeElection #BETTRNews https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/conclave-2025-to-pick-new-pope-day-1/