The Vatican remains abuzz with anticipation as black smoke once again billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025. This traditional signal confirmed that the 133 cardinals participating in the papal conclave have not yet elected a successor to lead the Roman Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.
Day Two of Voting
The historic conclave, which began on Wednesday, seeks to elect the 267th pope. For the second consecutive day, no candidate has received the two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes) required for election.
Voting will resume Thursday afternoon with two additional rounds scheduled, as the cardinals continue their sacred duty behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, bound by an oath of secrecy.
Faithful Gather in St. Peter’s Square
Despite the uncertainty, the faithful remain undeterred. On Wednesday evening, around 45,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chapel’s chimney for the first hint of white smoke. However, at 9 p.m., black smoke emerged, signifying an inconclusive first ballot.
Among the crowd was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania, who spoke to Vatican News about the spiritual significance of the moment.
“Our role here is to pray and join other Christians in asking the Holy Spirit to guide this process,” he said. “Whether the new pope comes from Africa, Asia, or America, what we need is a holy leader—a shepherd who will guide the Church faithfully.”
The Weight of Tradition
The papal conclave, steeped in centuries of tradition, represents one of the most solemn and secretive processes in the Catholic Church. The cardinals, sequestered from the outside world, deliberate and vote within the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes.
The outcome will shape the future of the Church, with the next pope expected to address pressing global challenges, including social justice, environmental concerns, and the evolving role of faith in a modern world.
What’s Next?
The conclave will continue until one candidate secures the necessary votes. Each round of voting is marked by the release of smoke—black for inconclusive results and white to announce the election of a new pope.
As the world waits, the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and beyond continue their prayers, hoping for divine guidance in selecting the Church’s next leader.
