Introduction: On May 7, 2025, black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, indicating that 133 cardinals failed to elect a new pope in the first vote of the historic conclave. As the world watches Vatican City, the largest and most diverse conclave in history unfolds, grappling with modern challenges like geopolitical tensions and calls for women’s inclusion. This article dives into the conclave’s first day, a bold women’s protest, Italy’s diplomatic role, and cultural gems like Rome’s Cacio e Pepe and traditional elderberry remedies. Learn more about papal elections.
Black Smoke: No Pope Elected Yet
At 9:05 PM on May 7, 2025, black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling an inconclusive first vote by the 133 cardinals sequestered to elect the 267th pope. The conclave, the largest ever with representatives from 70 countries, began with a solemn procession and Latin chants, as cardinals swore secrecy under Michelangelo’s Last Judgment fresco. The delay in smoke—over three hours—sparked speculation, with some suggesting a lengthy meditation by an elderly cardinal.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vatican-conclave-pick-new-pope-world-waits-white-smoke-2025-05-07/)[](https://x.com/Reuters/status/1920225124134928604)The cardinals, barred from external communication, retired to the Santa Marta guesthouse and will resume voting on May 8 with up to four rounds daily. A two-thirds majority (89 votes) is needed to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at age 88.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/papal-conclave-live-updates-cardinals-gather-vatican-elect/?id=121506573)Women’s Protest: A Call for Inclusion
Across Rome, women’s rights activists, led by groups like the Wijngaards Institute, protested the exclusion of women from the conclave. “You cannot ignore 50% of the Catholic population,” said Miriam Duignan, highlighting the Church’s male-only priesthood and declining nun numbers (from 702,529 in 2012 to 599,229 in 2022). The protest, echoing 1960s feminist movements, demands greater roles for women in governance, reflecting Pope Francis’s efforts to appoint women to Vatican leadership.
[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/conclave-new-pope-2025-cardinals-vatican-vote-smoke-latest-news-b2746906.html)Historical Context: In 1978, a similar protest during John Paul II’s election was ignored, but the 2025 demonstration gained traction on social media, amplifying calls for reform. Explore women’s roles in the Church.
Geopolitical Fact: Italy’s Vatican Diplomacy
Italy, as the Vatican’s host nation, has played a key role in facilitating papal diplomacy during the 2022–2025 Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Vatican, under Francis, mediated prisoner exchanges and peace talks, with Italian diplomats providing logistical support. This role underscores Italy’s unique position as a bridge between the Holy See and global powers, a dynamic the next pope will navigate.
[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/07/conclave-pope-news-results/)Traditional Italian Dish: Cacio e Pepe
In Rome, where the conclave unfolds, Cacio e Pepe is a beloved dish symbolizing simplicity and flavor. This creamy pasta is a staple in Vatican City’s surrounding trattorias.
- Ingredients: 200g spaghetti, 100g Pecorino Romano (grated), 2 tsp black pepper, salt.
- Recipe:
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Toast black pepper in a dry pan for 1 minute.
- Mix Pecorino with ½ cup pasta water to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss spaghetti with pepper and sauce, adding more water if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra Pecorino.
Like the conclave’s deliberation, Cacio e Pepe requires balance and precision. Try more Italian recipes.
Folk Medicine: Elderberry Syrup
In Italy, elderberry syrup is a traditional remedy for colds, especially in rural Lazio near Rome. A 2019 study in Nutrients found elderberries reduce flu symptoms due to antiviral properties. Recipe: Simmer 1 cup dried elderberries with 3 cups water, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ cup honey for 45 minutes. Strain and store in a jar. Take 1 tbsp daily for immunity.
Challenges Facing the Next Pope
The new pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads. Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demand diplomatic finesse. The clergy abuse scandal, with survivors’ groups like SNAP protesting in Rome, requires accountability. Declining attendance in Western churches and debates over women’s roles further complicate the agenda. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged unity, noting, “Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity.”
[](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/05/07/world/pope-conclave-updates)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vatican-conclave-pick-new-pope-world-waits-white-smoke-2025-05-07/)Potential candidates include Italian Pietro Parolin, Filipino Luis Tagle, and Congolese Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, each representing diverse Church factions.
[](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/papal-conclave-2025-live-updates-cardinals-vote-elect-new-pope-sistine-chapel-9987618/)Conclusion: A Historic Moment
The 2025 conclave is more than a vote; it’s a reflection of the Catholic Church’s global diversity and challenges. As black smoke fades, the world awaits white smoke and a new pope. Meanwhile, Rome’s culture—from Cacio e Pepe to elderberry remedies—offers a grounding contrast to the Vatican’s high stakes. Share your thoughts on the conclave or Italian traditions below!
Author: Planet-Today.com via AFP