Vatican City – The first smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is black, a sign that no cardinal has reached the necessary quorum of 89 votes to elect Pope Francis' successor.
The smoke began to rise at 21:00 p.m., three hours and 17 minutes after the “Extra omnes,” the ritual invitation to leave the Sistine Chapel addressed to those not participating in the Conclave, given at 17:43 p.m. In St. Peter's Square, over 45 faithful awaited with bated breath the outcome of the first vote.
Meanwhile, in Rome, the terrace of the Hotel Hassler – one of the symbolic places of the international elite – also celebrated in its own way the wait for the smoke with a cocktail at sunset in the style of the Internazionali d'Italia.
The “court” set up on the terrace, although not regulation, offered a Masters 1000 atmosphere, with music, athletes, managers and a breathtaking view of St. Peter's. An evocative tribute to the Capitoline tennis tournament, right at the time when the world awaits the announcement of the new Pope.
Article published on May 7, 2025 - 21:24 pm
