Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signaling that the first round of voting in the papal conclave failed to elect a new pope.
Continuing a centuries-old tradition, 133 cardinal electors gathered at the Vatican to begin the process of selecting the 267th head of the Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis last month.
The day commenced with a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who also presided over the 2013 conclave that elected Francis.
Afterward, the cardinal electors convened in the Pauline Chapel and processed into the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave is taking place.
The Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, remains sealed off from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.
Under the conclave’s rules, a two-thirds majority is required to elect the next pontiff.
This year’s conclave continues a tradition dating back to 1492, when the Sistine Chapel hosted its first papal election—the same year Christopher Columbus reached the Americas.
While the papal selection process once stretched on for years, as in the mid-1200s, more recent elections have moved swiftly. In 2013, Francis was elected after five ballots over two days.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, following a series of health complications, including cardiac arrest.
The conclave will resume voting on Thursday as the Church awaits the emergence of its next leader.
If a new pope is elected, white smoke will billow out of the chimney and the formula “habemus papam” (Latin for “we have a pope”) will be pronounced by the cardinal protodeacon from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Kenya’s only surviving Cardinal, John Njue, will not be part of the election of new pope. His absence has sparked confusion and fueled rumors, but Njue has come out firmly to set the record straight.
Despite earlier media reports suggesting health issues kept him away, Njue says he simply was not invited.
This revelation has raised eyebrows and left many Catholics wondering why a senior figure like Njue is sidelined as the Vatican gears up for one of its most sacred duties. Here’s the full story behind his exclusion.
Njue retired in 2021 after serving as Archbishop of Nairobi for nearly 14 years. His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis, as announced by the Holy See Press Office. But retirement alone does not disqualify a Cardinal from voting, as long as they are under 80. [Photo: Screenshots]
Cardinal John Njue Left Out of the Election of New Pope
Cardinal John Njue has confirmed he will not attend the Conclave at the Vatican to elect a new pope after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Njue, Kenya’s only Cardinal, told the press that he had not received an invitation from the Vatican to join the historic process. He made it clear that participation in the election of new pope is by official invitation only.
“Those who go there for the election are usually sent official invites and that has not happened on my part,” Njue said in a phone interview.
This statement comes after widespread reports claimed ill health was the reason for his absence. But Njue denied that. “It is not because of health…I don’t know…really, it’s difficult to comment about it,” he added.
Njue, 79, took part in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. This time, however, the door is firmly closed for him.
Why the Vatican Might Have Sidestepped Njue
Cardinals aged under 80 are typically eligible to vote in the election of new pope. However, Njue’s exact age—born in 1946—means he turned 79 in 2025, just within the age limit. This fact raises serious questions: why exclude a senior figure who technically qualifies?
Njue retired in 2021 after serving as Archbishop of Nairobi for nearly 14 years. His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis, as announced by the Holy See Press Office. But retirement alone does not disqualify a Cardinal from voting, as long as they are under 80.
A report from Vatican News notes that 133 Cardinals have confirmed their participation in the upcoming conclave. This number overshoots the official limit set by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which caps voting Cardinals at 120.
Though the Vatican has occasionally allowed more than 120 Cardinals to vote, it appears selective in who gets invited. Njue’s absence, despite the apparent overflow, suggests other reasons could be at play—possibly politics within the Church or shifting priorities in the Vatican’s inner circle.
Media Silence and Lingering Questions
Njue’s refusal to comment further has deepened the mystery. After Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, Njue told reporters, “I cannot comment at the moment…I am not ready to talk about it now.” This silence came as a shock to many Catholics in Kenya and beyond.
His decision to keep quiet has left plenty of room for speculation. Was it a personal choice to step back quietly? Or was there pressure from higher up?
The Vatican has not issued any statement explaining why Njue is missing from the list of voters. Without an official reason, speculation is bound to grow.
A Church at Crossroads
The Catholic Church is navigating a tricky moment. The election of new pope is not just a religious ritual—it is a political and global event. For Catholics in Kenya, Njue’s absence is a blow. It feels like the country’s voice in global Catholicism has been muted at a critical time.
Cardinal Njue’s deep experience and influence could have added weight to the conclave. His absence serves as a reminder of how Church politics can sideline even the most senior figures without much explanation.
Njue’s case also highlights the evolving nature of Vatican politics. Despite clear rules, the Vatican seems to apply them flexibly, leaving faithful followers puzzled. With 133 Cardinals set to vote, breaking the 120-limit rule yet again, it is clear that power dynamics—not just tradition—shape who sits at the table.
