Vatican Conclave: 133 Cardinals Begin Papal Election, First Smoke Signal Expected May 7 Evening

The papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis began on May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. A total of 133 cardinals from 5 continents and 70 countries are participating in the secretive process, which requires a two-thirds majority to select the next pope. After each round of voting, the results are communicated to the public through smoke signals from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke indicates that no candidate has yet achieved the required majority, while white smoke, accompanied by ringing bells, signals that a new pope has been elected. The first smoke signal is expected on the evening of May 7. The smoke is produced by burning the cardinals' paper ballots in a special stove, with chemicals added to ensure the color is clear and unambiguous. For black smoke, a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur is used; for white smoke, potassium chlorate, lactose, and conifer resin are combined. The conclave is conducted in strict secrecy, with cardinals sequestered and all communication with the outside world cut off. The process can include up to four ballots per day and continues until a candidate receives the required majority. The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years. Once a candidate is elected and accepts the position, the new pope is introduced to the public from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation 'Habemus Papam' ('We have a pope!').