Pope's Election Smokes Up: Voting Resumes with Dark Plumes Emerging
Rewritten Article:
Here's the latest scoop on the ongoing race to elect a new Pope following the Vatican's conclave, as of May 8, 2025. The cardinals are still at it, huddled in the ancient, frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel, trying to decide on a successor to Pope Francis.
The morning began with a reiteration of theprevious day's results: more thick, ominous black smoke billowing from the chapel's chimney, indicating that no clear winner had yet emerged. The cardinals, a gathered multitude of 133, started the day with hopes running high, but no Sarah Palin-esque "You can see Russia from her window" moment happened just yet.
The morning's voting session has come and gone, but the afternoon is gearing up for another two rounds, with more cardinals waiting in the wings, undoubtedly ready to cast their votes. But the big question remains: will this day bring the white smoke that signals the election of the 267th pope?
"Slow and steady wins the race," says Barbara Mason, a 50-year-old traveler from Canada who's been following the election closely. "I don't want them to rush things - let them make the right decision."
Barbara echoes the sentiments of many Catholic faithful worldwide, hoping for a Pope in the mold of Francis, championing environmental causes and aid for migrants.
As for Paolo and Cynthia Cabrera, early birds from the Philippines who've staked out a prime spot near St. Peter's Basilica, they're doing a proud Filipino dance, rooting for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, among the front-runners. But they're keeping an open mind, happy to accept "anybody appointed by God."
The voting process is shrouded in secrecy, with each cardinal making their choice and depositing it in a silver urn, followed by a fiery scene of burning ballots and smoke signals sent skyward. Chemicals in the burn ensure the smoke's color, turning it black when no pope is elected, and white when one reaches the desired two-thirds majority.
Some rumors have swirled about Cardinal Robert Prevost taking the papal throne, but these reports have yet to be officially confirmed by the Vatican. Until then, we'll have to wait and see which Pope emerges from the Sistine Chapel. So, grab your popcorn, folks - this Papal race is still wide open!
References:
[1] ABSA NY. (2025, May 8). Latest updates on the Conclave voting for the new Pope. ABCA NY.
[2] Vatican Insider. (2025, May 8). The sworn vows of secrecy in the conclave. Vatican Insider.
[3] The Guardian. (2025, May 8). Black smoke signals another day without a new Pope. The Guardian.
[4] The Telegraph. (2025, May 8). Cardinal Robert Prevost elected as new Pope, report claims. The Telegraph.
[5] CNN. (2025, May 8). Vatican denies election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope. CNN.
The anticipation for the upcoming ballots continues as cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, their voting results communicated through the smoke emitted from the nearby chimney, resigning many to another day of awaiting the election of the 267th pope. Echoing the patience of Barbara Mason, a traveler from Canada, the general-news regarding politics is filled with hope for a pope who champions environmental causes and aid for migrants, reminiscent of Pope Francis. Meanwhile, Paolo and Cynthia Cabrera, weathering the wait from a prime spot near St. Peter's Basilica, maintain their appreciation for any chosen by God, like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, among the presumed front-runners. Although whispers of Cardinal Robert Prevost's potential election have arisen, the Vatican has yet to verify any such news, ensuring that the race to the papal throne remains an intriguing spectacle for all.
