Today in Vatican City, history is being made as the successor to Pope Francis is chosen by the College of Cardinals. With 133 participants voting, the process can take a while as a two-thirds majority is required for a winner to be declared. On average, the selection process can last two to three days.
To indicate when a decision has been reached, the Sistine Chapel chimney will emit smoke after each ballot. White smoke signifies that a new Pope has been chosen, while black smoke indicates that voting will continue.
The first ballot is scheduled for 7pm local time today, Wednesday 7 May 2025. For those in the UK, this is 6pm BST, and for viewers in the US, it will be 1pm ET/10am PT. If you’re interested in following the process, it’s recommended to start watching the chimney after the first ballot has been cast.
For those who prefer to watch the events unfold online, there are livestreams available on platforms like the Vatican News YouTube channel. While these streams may not focus solely on the chimney, news outlets like The Independent and MSNBC are providing dedicated coverage of the conclave process.
As the voting continues, viewers can tune in to these livestreams to stay updated on the selection of the new Pope. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this historic event make it a significant moment for Catholics and observers around the world.
