BREAKING: Black smoke is seen, but no new Pope elected yet

Cardinals to assemble Thursday for more votes

News reaching Diaspora Digital Media from the Vatican, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, says the black smoke which usually signalled the election of a new Pope has been seen, but no new Pope elected yet.

Sources close to the Vatican say the Cardinals will assemble again on Thursday, May 8, 2025, for more voting.

Following the official announcement of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, by the Camerlengo (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church), the Church entered a nine-day period of mourning.

The Carmalengo had taken charge of the Vatican’s day-to-day affairs, but only under routine administration.

The Church then proceeded on a nine-day mourning period known as the ‘Novemdiales’ with Masses and public observeances offered.

The Pope was buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

All cardinals (under and over the age of 80) then gathered in General Congregations at the Vatican.

This congregation is the 12th, according to sources close to the Vatican.

The Cardinals had on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, called on the faithful, to pray for peace, citing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The meetings supposedly organize the practical matters of the conclave, review Church issues, and discuss the qualities needed in the next pope.

Cardinals under 80 who will vote in the conclave may also have begun informal discussions about potential candidates (called papabili).

The conclave, to elect a new Pope, began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

According to sources, before entering the conclave, cardinal electors take a solemn oath of secrecy and commit to the proper conduct of the election.

The Sistine Chapel was prepared, and areas used by the cardinals (Domus Sanctae Marthae) were secured to prevent outside communication.

These preparatory steps ensure that the conclave is both spiritually grounded and procedurally secure.

And so, the world waited patiently for the chimney smoke which was to signal that a new Pope had been elected to take the place of Pope Francis.

At about 10.42pm (NGR time), the black (chimney) smoke was seen, much to the delight of all who had gathered around.

But then, no new Pope had been elected.

Reports say, there will be four rounds of voting.

The black smoke thus signals the end of the first day of conclave.

Trust Diaspora Digital Media to keep you updated as the events unfold.

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