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Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — The world continues to watch and wait as the Vatican’s highly anticipated papal conclave extends into another day with no decision in sight. On Wednesday evening, at precisely 9:00 p.m. local time, black smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel—an unmistakable sign that the first vote had ended without a successful election of the new pope.
Tens of thousands of faithful had crowded into St. Peter’s Square, braving the chilly Roman evening, holding candles, cameras, and prayer beads. Their faces turned upward toward the tiny chimney, their hopes hanging on a plume of smoke. When it finally came, dark and billowing, a sigh rippled through the crowd—a mix of disappointment, understanding, and solemn patience.
Among the gathered was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania, who told Vatican News: “Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process.” His words echoed the sentiment of the square: reverent, patient, and full of faith.
Day Two: Still No White Smoke
As the sun rose over Rome on Thursday, the cardinals returned to the Pauline Chapel at approximately 6:45 a.m. UK time for morning prayers. They were preparing for what would be the first round of voting for the day, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time (8:30 a.m. UK).
But by lunchtime, the black smoke rose once more.
Despite high hopes that Thursday’s voting might bring clarity—or at least a stronger consensus—it seems the College of Cardinals remains divided. Two rounds of voting took place this morning, but the necessary two-thirds majority—at least 89 of the 133 voting cardinals—has yet to be achieved.
The Stakes: Continuity or Change?
This conclave is one of the most globally diverse in the Church’s history, with 133 cardinal electors representing 70 different nations. Following the death of Pope Francis last month, many within and outside the Church are watching closely to see whether his successor will continue his reformist legacy or steer the Church back toward a more traditional path.
Among the frontrunners is Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic prowess and administrative acumen. Another strong contender is Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, admired for his charisma, theological clarity, and connection with young Catholics across the globe. The decision now lies in the hands of the cardinals behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel.
How the Conclave Works
Inside the chapel, cloaked in secrecy and solemn ritual, the cardinals vote up to four times a day—twice in the morning, twice in the afternoon. If no pope is elected, the ballots are burned along with a chemical that produces black smoke. Only when a two-thirds consensus is reached will white smoke signal the joyful announcement: Habemus Papam—We have a pope.
The process is steeped in tradition and silence. The cardinals are forbidden from communicating with the outside world. Signal jammers prevent phone and internet use. Each man inside has sworn an oath of secrecy. Their deliberations are not merely political—they are spiritual, guided by prayer, discernment, and, believers trust, the Holy Spirit.
In the Square: Hope, Unity, and Waiting
Though the black smoke brought a wave of disappointment, the mood in St. Peter’s Square has remained largely peaceful and prayerful. Pilgrims continue to arrive, some bearing flags, others wrapped in blankets, many clutching rosaries. Tourists mingle with clergy. Journalists set up tripods. Choirs break into hymns. It is a moment that transcends borders and denominations.
“It’s history happening in front of us,” said Maria Gutierrez, a teacher from Mexico who arrived in Rome two days ago. “I want to be here when the white smoke comes. I want to be here when we hear his name.”
The conclave will continue this afternoon, and if no pope is elected, another round of voting is expected on Friday.
While there’s no time limit set by Church law, most modern conclaves have concluded within five days. Pope Benedict XVI was elected on the second day in 2005, and Pope Francis was chosen on the fifth ballot in 2013.
For now, the eyes of the world remain on that chimney. When the white smoke finally curls into the Roman sky, bells will ring out across Vatican City. The new pope will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, dressed in white, and offer his first blessing: Urbi et Orbi—to the city and the world.
Until then, we wait.