At 9:01 p.m. Rome time [2:01 p.m. CST] on Tuesday, May 7, black smoke rose up out of the chimney positioned on top of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the first vote of the conclave to elect a new pope. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with thousands more tuning in via livestream to watch the highly anticipated moment as the Church is in need of a new Bishop of Rome. The need for a conclave came after Pope Francis, the 266th Vicar of Christ, died on Easter Monday, April 21, of a stroke.

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Black Smoke Signals End of First Conclave Vote, No New Pope

Black smoke appeared from the chimney at approximately 9:01 p.m. Rome time (2:01 p.m. CST) signaling the end of day one of the conclave.