Black smoke billows from Sistine Chapel chimney at the Vatican on second round of voting, no successor to Francis elected

Giant screens had shown the opening procession of the conclave as thousands of pilgrims gathered at outside St Peter’s, along with thousands of the world’s press. By 6.30pm they had crammed in to await a result.

Black smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals are gathering on the first day of the conclave.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

Having grown restless by 8.30pm, they began slow clapping and cheering as the sun set over the famed basilica. They gasped and cheered as black smoke billowed from the makeshift chimney installed at the weekend.

Cardinals from 70 countries filed into the iconic chapel earlier in the day, the doors slamming shut behind them. Inside, they chanted prayers such as the Litany of the Saints and Veni Creator, seeking guidance for the task ahead.

Four rounds of voting will be held daily – in the morning and afternoon – with smoke signalling the result of each session. If no consensus is reached after three days, the cardinals will take a 24-hour break for reflection, a tradition that has not been needed since 1831.

Ahead of the first vote, cardinals were urged to choose a leader “the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history.”

The appeal came from Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, who delivered the homily at a special Mass held in St Peter’s Basilica – the spiritual heart of the Vatican and the resting place of St Peter, the first pope. Surrounded by his fellow electors seated around the main altar, Re called on the Holy Spirit to guide the choice of a pontiff capable of confronting modern society’s moral and spiritual challenges.

“Let us pray that God will grant the church a pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society,” he said, adding that while humanity is marked by great technological advancement, it often “tends to forget God”.

Reflecting on a century of influential papacies, Re concluded: “Let us pray, then, that the Holy Spirit, who in the last hundred years has given us a series of truly holy and great pontiffs, will give us a new pope according to God’s heart for the good of the church and of humanity.”

The lack of a clear frontrunner has made this conclave one of the most unpredictable in recent history. Cardinal electors have expressed varying visions for the church’s future, with some hoping to continue Francis’ progressive agenda, while others favour a return to more traditional practices. His death on Easter Monday has left the College of Cardinals deeply divided.

Cardinals gather in the Pauline Chapel before they form a procession to enter the Sistine Chapel to start the conclave.Credit: AP

Among the names circulating as potential successors are Cardinal Robert Prevost of the US, known for his moderate stance and strong leadership qualities, and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who is admired for his diplomatic skills but considered by some to lack the charisma to lead the global church.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, a popular figure among progressives, is also a key contender.

On the conservative side, cardinals such as Peter Erdo of Hungary and Robert Sarah of Guinea represent the traditionalist wing, calling for a return to orthodox teachings and practices. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a vocal critic of Francis’ reforms, is also reportedly lobbying for a more conservative pope.

Despite these various factions, speculation remains high, and the eventual winner may not yet be clear. Historically, early frontrunners often don’t secure the papacy – in 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was not considered a leading candidate until he emerged as Pope Francis.

Many among the 1.4 billion Catholics expressed a desire for a pope who can bridge the church’s deep-rooted traditions and challenges facing modern society. This includes navigating crises such as the ongoing sexual abuse scandals, the church’s role in climate change, and its future relationships with other faiths and secular institutions.

The next vote will take place Thursday morning, and all eyes will be on the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, where the crucial signals of black or white smoke will mark each decision – or lack thereof.