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The Latest Breaking News from the Sistine Chapel

Conclave to elect new pope begins with prayer – and oaths of secrecy

After a day of ceremony and centuries-old ritual, the 133 cardinal electors have begun voting on who should succeed Pope Francis as head of the Catholic Church

The Independent UK

Black smoke confirms no pope elected in first conclave voting round

The secret meeting to elect a new pontiff began on Wednesday afternoon.

The Independent UK

Black smoke from Sistine Chapel chimney confirms no pope elected in first conclave vote

Cardinals to return to Sistine Chapel on Thursday to continue secret meeting to elect new pontiff

Evening Standard

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No matter who the next pope is, US Catholics stand ‘at a crossroads’ − a sociologist explains

More than 130 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025. With the announcement “Extra omnes” – “all out” – the doors have been closed and the cardinals sequestered to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. They will vote, confer, pray and vote again until a candidate…

The Conversation

Conclave voting times and how to watch as cardinals select a new pope

The decision-making process could range from a few hours to several weeks

Evening Standard

All eyes on Sistine Chapel for smoke as secret conclave begins to elect new pope

White smoke will confirm a new pontiff to lead the world’s Catholics has been chosen.

Evening Standard

From 'conclave' to 'white smoke,' a glossary of terms used in a papal transition

A change in popes is a complicated process

The Independent UK

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No pope elected on first day of conclave as black smoke appears above Vatican

Cardinals from around the world have entered the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday to begin the closed-door process of electing the next pontiff, following the late Pope Francis' passing on 21 April. Follow Euronews' live blog for the latest updates.

Euronews

Conclave: the chemistry behind the black and white smoke

This week, 133 cardinals have gathered in the Vatican to elect a new leader of the Catholic church. During their deliberations, the only indications of their progress are the regular plumes of smoke wafting from a freshly installed chimney perched on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

The Conversation

Conclave cardinals told choice for next pope is of ‘exceptional importance’

The electors met for mass at St Peter’s Basilica ahead of the conclave in the Sistine Chapel from Wednesday afternoon.

Evening Standard

Secret oaths and blacked-out windows: what happens inside the papal conclave?

The conclave that begins in Vatican City on Wednesday is the process of electing the next leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Shrouded in mystery, with all those involved sworn to secrecy on threat of ex-communication, what do we know about what goes on behind the sealed doors of…

Radio France Internationale

OPINION - The world needs a voice that transcends borders — that’s what the conclave gives us

It is not often that reality imitates art quite so promptly. Just a month or two after most of us first watched Ralph Fiennes in Conclave, we have a chance to see the real thing. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, and today in the Sistine Chapel the actual conclave…

Evening Standard

History Beckons As Cardinals Gather To Elect New Pope

Cardinals from across the world will be shut into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday for a secretive conclave to elect the next head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

International Business Times

UK cardinal’s final reflections before entering conclave to elect new pope

Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of more than 130 electors

The Independent UK

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The Independent UK

Papal conclave begins – what is it and how long might it take?

The secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope is beginning on Wednesday.

The Conversation

The election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made?

For nearly 800 years the Catholic Church has utilised the process of the conclave to elect a new pope. “Conclave” means “with a key”, indicating the cardinal-electors are locked up with a key to conduct their deliberations.

The Conversation

A new pope’s first appearance on St. Peter’s balcony is rich with symbols − and Francis’ decision to rein in the pomp spoke volumes

As the College of Cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel to vote for a new pope, crowds outside will watch for the most dramatic moment of the conclave, when a wisp of white smoke appears above the chimney.

The Independent UK

Why the Vatican will cut the phone signal ahead of the secret Conclave vote

The Vatican has made sure that what happens in the Sistine Chapel stays in the Sistine Chapel

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Euronews

Cardinals finish pre-conclave meetings in Vatican day before voting for pope starts

The 133 cardinal electors will begin the process of choosing the new pope when the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon and they cast their first vote.

The Independent UK

Anti-Popes, 1,000-day stand-offs and a challenge to personal hygiene: Quirky facts about the Conclave

The secret election to choose a new Pope has been going on for centuries

The Independent UK

Pope Leo XIV live: New pontiff appeals to global leaders for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday address at the Vatican

Pope called for ‘authentic and lasting peace’ in Ukraine and ceasefire in Gaza

The Guardian - UK

How does the conclave work and when will a new pope be chosen?

Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to begin the process of electing a pontiff

Al Jazeera

What is a Papal conclave? How will the next pope be chosen?

In the Sistine Chapel, cardinals from around the world will convene on Wednesday to elect the 267th pontiff.

The Independent UK

Vatican workers install Sistine Chapel stove where ballots are burned during conclave to elect pope

Vatican workers have installed the simple stove in the Sistine Chapel where ballots will be burned during the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope

International Business Times

Vatican Chimney Installed Ahead Of Papal Conclave

Firefighters installed the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Friday which will emit white smoke to signal the election of a new pope as preparations proceed just five days before cardinals gather for the conclave.

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