As the conclave continues into its second day, black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney has indicated that no new pope has been elected, leaving the 133 voting cardinals to deliberate further with the next ballot expected later today.
Black Smoke Signals Ongoing Papal Conclave in Vatican City
Black Smoke Signals Ongoing Papal Conclave in Vatican City
The conclave to elect a new pope remains inconclusive as black smoke signals the absence of a decision after multiple rounds of voting.
May 8, 2025, 7:29 a.m. ET — Live Updates: The wait for a new pope continues as black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel early Thursday morning, marking yet another inconclusive vote. The assembled cardinals, now into their second day of deliberations, are on hold until they reconvene this afternoon for another round of secret voting.
The morning crowd in St. Peter’s Square reacted with disappointment as black smoke rose, signifying that the necessary two-thirds majority had not been achieved among the voting cardinals. The conclave was catalyzed by the recent death of Pope Francis, which has led to the first papal election in over ten years.
However, the transition process is more complex for this assembly of cardinals, many of whom are encountering one another for the first time. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences among the 133 cardinal electors could lead to extended deliberations, as differing opinions emerge around the direction of the Catholic Church under a new leader.
The conclave operates under strict secrecy, with smoked ballots burned after each voting session. White smoke represents a successful election, while black smoke confirms the need for consecutive rounds. The cardinals will vote four times a day until a new pope is confirmed, although no definite timeframe has been provided.
Both historical context and recent trends suggest that many in this conclave are open to incremental changes and the evolution of Catholic dogma, posing significant topics of debate going forward. Various factions continue to assert their influence as they consider the next steps for the Church amid differing visions of unity and tradition.
As the world observes, the implications of the forthcoming votes and the identity of the next pope remain unclear. Meanwhile, spiritual support initiatives such as “Adopt a Cardinal” have taken root, inviting the faithful to pray for cardinal electors throughout this historic moment. The anticipation builds as the hours pass—awaiting the moment when white smoke finally emerges, heralding the election of a new pontiff.
The morning crowd in St. Peter’s Square reacted with disappointment as black smoke rose, signifying that the necessary two-thirds majority had not been achieved among the voting cardinals. The conclave was catalyzed by the recent death of Pope Francis, which has led to the first papal election in over ten years.
However, the transition process is more complex for this assembly of cardinals, many of whom are encountering one another for the first time. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences among the 133 cardinal electors could lead to extended deliberations, as differing opinions emerge around the direction of the Catholic Church under a new leader.
The conclave operates under strict secrecy, with smoked ballots burned after each voting session. White smoke represents a successful election, while black smoke confirms the need for consecutive rounds. The cardinals will vote four times a day until a new pope is confirmed, although no definite timeframe has been provided.
Both historical context and recent trends suggest that many in this conclave are open to incremental changes and the evolution of Catholic dogma, posing significant topics of debate going forward. Various factions continue to assert their influence as they consider the next steps for the Church amid differing visions of unity and tradition.
As the world observes, the implications of the forthcoming votes and the identity of the next pope remain unclear. Meanwhile, spiritual support initiatives such as “Adopt a Cardinal” have taken root, inviting the faithful to pray for cardinal electors throughout this historic moment. The anticipation builds as the hours pass—awaiting the moment when white smoke finally emerges, heralding the election of a new pontiff.
