At 2:39 PM on May 7, 2025, a bird landed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, minutes before the first expected smoke from the conclave electing the new pope. The event, captured by cameras and amplified on social media, sparked global curiosity, with many linking the bird to possible spiritual meanings or superstitions. The conclave, which began this morning to choose the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, gathers 133 cardinals in a secret ritual, and the absence of black smoke so far indicates the initial vote is still ongoing.
The bird, identified by observers as a seagull, stayed on the chimney for about 20 minutes, drawing attention from faithful and journalists in St. Peter’s Square. In 2013, a similar seagull landed on the same chimney during the conclave that elected Francis, prompting interpretations of hope and divine intervention. The 2025 scene reinforces fascination with symbols during the papal election, as the world awaits the smoke that will reveal the progress of the choice.
The conclave, governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, requires cardinals to reach a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, to elect the new pontiff. The first vote, held in the afternoon of May 7, follows a solemn mass and an oath of secrecy. Key aspects of the process include:
- Secret voting on paper ballots.
- Burning of ballots to produce smoke.
- Complete isolation of cardinals.
- Ban on electronic devices.
As of this report’s closure, no black smoke has been emitted, suggesting the initial vote is not yet complete or the cardinals chose to delay burning the ballots. The expectation is for the first smoke to appear around 3:00 PM Brasília time.
Symbolism of the bird
The seagull’s presence on the Sistine Chapel chimney at 2:39 PM reignited discussions about its meaning. In Christian tradition, birds like doves are often linked to the Holy Spirit, symbolizing peace and divine guidance. Seagulls, though less common in this context, have appeared in past conclaves, such as in 2013, when one landed on the chimney after black smoke, interpreted by some as a sign of hope.
In popular culture, birds during significant events carry varied interpretations. In some Italian regions, seagulls are seen as messengers of good news, while in other traditions, birds landing on sacred sites are considered omens of change. The lack of black smoke so far heightens curiosity, as the bird appeared before any official conclave signal.
The episode was widely discussed on social media, with users sharing videos and photos of the seagull. Some faithful in St. Peter’s Square speculated the bird could indicate a swift election, while others linked it to a moment of spiritual reflection during the process.
First day rituals
The conclave began at 5:00 AM Brasília time with the Pro Eligendo Pontifice mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The 133 voting cardinals, all under 80 years old, attended the ceremony, which seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance. After the mass, they proceeded to the Sistine Chapel, where they took a secrecy oath and began the first vote in the afternoon.
Voting occurs in silence, with each cardinal writing their candidate’s name on a ballot inscribed with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem.” Ballots are placed in an urn, counted by three scrutineers, and burned in an electronic stove. The first smoke, expected at 2:00 PM, has not yet appeared, possibly indicating a delay in counting or a decision to postpone burning.
The Master of Liturgical Celebrations, upon saying “Extra omnes,” closed the Sistine Chapel doors, isolating the cardinals from the outside world. Security is reinforced by the Swiss Guard, and electronic sweeps ensure no communication devices are present.
Smoke mechanism
The smoke, black or white, is produced by burning ballots in two stoves in the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke, signaling an inconclusive vote, results from adding potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur. White smoke, announcing the pope’s election, is created with potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin.
The chimney, installed on the Sistine Chapel roof on May 2, is connected to the stoves by a copper pipe. An electronic fan aids smoke dispersion, ensuring visibility in St. Peter’s Square. In 2005 and 2013, black smoke marked the first day, with white appearing on the second. The absence of smoke by 2:39 PM in 2025 suggests the initial vote is still ongoing.
Starting on the second day, May 8, up to four votes occur daily, with smoke emitted twice, at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM Brasília time. The seagull, landing at 2:39 PM, appeared before the first emission, making the moment even more striking.
Superstitions and interpretations
In conclave history, birds have been tied to symbolic events. In 2013, the seagull that landed on the chimney after black smoke was filmed and went viral, with some calling it a “messenger of the Holy Spirit.” In Italian tradition, birds at sacred sites are seen as omens, especially during transitions.
Superstitions vary by region:
- In southern Italy, seagulls symbolize freedom and good news.
- In Celtic traditions, white birds at key events signify spiritual protection.
- In Latin America, birds at sacred sites are linked to divine presence.
- In some cultures, birds on chimneys may signal imminent change.
Though the Catholic Church does not endorse superstitions, faithful often interpret such events as spiritual signs. The 2025 seagull, landing before the smoke, sparked speculation about a quick election or a message of renewal for the Church.
Election rules
The papal election requires 89 votes, a two-thirds majority of the 133 voting cardinals. Each vote is followed by ballot counting and burning. If no consensus is reached after three days, the conclave pauses for 24 hours for prayer and reflection. After 34 votes without a result, rules allow a “runoff” with the top two candidates, though this is rare.
Cardinals are organized into three roles:
- Scrutineers: count the votes.
- Revisers: verify the count.
- Infirmarians: collect votes from sick cardinals.
Secrecy is ensured by electronic device detectors and solemn oaths. Any violation may lead to excommunication. The absence of black smoke so far suggests the first vote is not yet finalized.
Conclave duration
Modern conclaves are brief, averaging 3.2 days in the last 10, from 1903 to 2013. The 2005 conclave elected Benedict XVI in two days, and 2013 chose Francis in five votes. Expectations for 2025 suggest an election by May 9, given the number of voters and the need for consensus.
Historically, conclaves were longer. The 1268-1271 conclave lasted 34 months, leading to the isolation system. The seagull at 2:39 PM fueled speculation of a swift 2025 conclave, though the lack of black smoke indicates initial deliberation.
Voter profile
Of the 133 voting cardinals, 80% were appointed by Francis, reflecting his global vision. Europe accounts for 50% of voters, followed by Latin America (20%), Africa (15%), Asia (10%), and North America (5%). Seven Brazilian cardinals participate, including Sérgio da Rocha and Odilo Scherer.
Geographic diversity, with voters from countries like India and Ukraine, underscores the Church’s universality. The seagull on the chimney was seen by some as a symbol of this diversity, linking the conclave to a moment of global unity.
Vatican preparations
The conclave followed extensive preparations. The chimney was installed on May 2, and the Sistine Chapel was adapted with a temporary floor and stoves. Cardinals stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, and security includes sweeps for recording devices.
The Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, managed the Sede Vacante since Francis’ death. The funeral on April 26 drew 140,000 people. The seagull on the chimney, before the first smoke, added an unexpected element to the preparations, capturing global attention.
New pope announcement
When a candidate reaches 89 votes, Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re asks if they accept the election. The elected chooses their papal name and dons vestments in the Room of Tears. About 30 to 60 minutes after white smoke, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announces “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony.
The 2025 seagull, landing at 2:39 PM, may be remembered as a visual milestone before the announcement, especially if the election is swift. The absence of black smoke heightens anticipation for an imminent signal.
Reactions in St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, hosting thousands of faithful, has screens showing the chimney in real time. The seagull, visible in broadcasts, drew applause and comments from those present. Many took photos, and the moment was compared to the 2013 seagull before Francis’ election.
The lack of black smoke keeps the faithful in suspense. The crowd, comprising Catholics from various nations, remains focused on the chimney, awaiting the next conclave signal.
History of symbols
Birds in conclaves have a notable history. Beyond the 2013 seagull, a crow landed on St. Peter’s Basilica during the 1978 conclave before John Paul I’s election. In Christian tradition, birds symbolize divine messages, like the dove bringing Noah an olive branch.
Other symbolic events include:
- 1958: Grayish smoke confused faithful during John XXIII’s election.
- 1978: A bird on the papal balcony marked John Paul II’s election.
- 2005: Clear white smoke announced Benedict XVI.
The 2025 seagull, landing at 2:39 PM, is already an iconic moment, amplified by global media coverage.
