Second day with repeat of smoky black emissions
In the heart of Rome, the iconic Sistine Chapel once again belched smoke, signaling a continued impasse during the 2025 papal conclave. The smoke billowed just after midday on the 8th of May, following a series of morning voting sessions to choose Pope Francis' successor.
With no pope elected thus far, the cardinals have retreated to their Vatican abodes for a much-needed lunch before reconvening for an afternoon session in the Sistine Chapel.
On the first smoke emission from the chapel's famous chimney on Wednesday, black smoke blared – a clear indication that no potential candidate had clinched the mandatory two-thirds majority vote of 89 ballots required to become the 267th pontiff.
This age-old process, shrouded in tradition and secrecy, sees cardinals congregate to elect the new head of the Catholic Church. They isolate themselves within the chapel's walls, cut off from the outside world, until a final decision is reached.
Thursday marks the resumption of the process, with up to four ballots scheduled and two smoke signals anticipated – one in the morning, and another in the afternoon.
The color of the smoke serves to communicate the vote's outcome to the legions of faithful huddled in St. Peter's Square. Black smoke signifies no pope has been elected, whereas white smoke heralds a successful election. If a new pope is chosen swiftly, the announcement could come as early as 10:30 a.m.
Over 45,000 people had gathered on Wednesday to await the news, which was expected sometime after 7 p.m. Some cardinals had foreseen a brief conclave to usher in Pope Francis' successor.
The conclave, now in session since May 7, 2025, involves 133 voting cardinals from across the globe, representing 71 countries, embodying Pope Francis' push to make the College of Cardinals global and diverse.
As the voting persists, the worldwide Catholic community stays gripped in anticipation,awaiting the announcement of a new pope.
- The cardinals, after a lunch break, will resume voting in the Sistine Chapel at 10:30 AM on Thursday, signaling the continuation of the 2025 papal conclave.
- On Thursday, four ballots are scheduled to be conducted, with two smoke signals expected - one in the morning and another in the afternoon - the color of which will indicate whether a new pope has been elected.
- As the chimney of the Sistine Chapel continues to emit black smoke, politics and general news remain focused on the ongoing papal conclave, with the world's Catholic community awaiting the signal of white smoke that will herald the election of the 267th pontiff.
