A heavy silence blanketed St. Peter’s Square on the morning of May 8, 2025, as the unmistakable plume of black smoke once again emerged from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. The signal was clear—no pope yet. For the second day in a row, the College of Cardinals failed to reach a consensus on the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, extending a process steeped in mystery, prayer, and centuries of tradition. As the world watches with bated breath, speculation grows over who might ascend to one of the most influential spiritual roles on the planet.
What Black Smoke Means During a Conclave
In the unique rituals of a papal conclave, smoke serves as the Church’s ancient and poetic signal to the world. Black smoke—“fumata nera”—means the cardinals have voted but failed to elect a new pope. This visual signal comes from the burning of ballots, laced with chemicals to produce the distinct color.
Why No Pope Yet?
To elect a pope, a cardinal must receive two-thirds of the votes—currently, that means 89 out of 133 electors. With no clear frontrunner, the cardinals are still deliberating, praying, and negotiating. The secrecy of the conclave leaves the outside world in suspense, relying solely on the color of the smoke for updates.
Timeline of the 2025 Papal Conclave
The conclave was convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Known for his humility and progressive stance on social issues, Pope Francis’s legacy casts a long shadow over the proceedings.
Daily Voting Schedule
Each day, cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel for up to four votes—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After each session, smoke rises: white for a successful election, black for continued deliberation. Between sessions, cardinals return to their lodging at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, under strict rules that prohibit communication with the outside world.
Who Are the Leading Candidates?
Though the vote is secret, speculation is rife. The top contenders include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Charismatic and widely respected across Asia.
- Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary): A conservative theologian with strong European support.
Global Representation in the Conclave
With cardinals from over 70 nations, this conclave mirrors the global nature of the Church today. Pope Francis’s push for greater international diversity is evident in this diverse body, where voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America play a pivotal role.
Inside the Sistine Chapel: Secrecy and Solemnity
Once inside, the doors to the Sistine Chapel are locked. The cardinals take an oath of secrecy, and electronic jammers are used to prevent any leaks. Amid Michelangelo’s towering frescos, the Church’s future is decided in solemn silence, each vote cast with a pen, a prayer, and a profound sense of duty.
Reactions from Around the World
St. Peter’s Square remains packed, with pilgrims, tourists, and journalists standing under the Italian sun, watching the chimney for any change. Gasps of disappointment followed the latest black smoke, but hope still lingers.
Faith, Hope, and Curiosity
For Catholics, this is not just a political event—it’s a spiritual one. People are praying in plazas, lighting candles in cathedrals, and refreshing news feeds for updates. The wait may be long, but it is filled with hope and reverence.
The Role of the Next Pope
The next pontiff will inherit a Church facing global challenges—from clerical abuse scandals to declining attendance in the West, while experiencing growth in Africa and Asia. Whoever is elected must be a bridge between tradition and modernity, unity and diversity.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis reshaped the papacy with his focus on mercy, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship. Many believe the next pope will either continue his progressive agenda or mark a return to conservatism.
How Long Could the Conclave Last?
The length of a conclave is unpredictable. In 2013, Pope Francis was elected after just two days. But the 1265 conclave lasted 33 months. Though rare today, extended stalemates are not unheard of, especially in times of ideological division.
Examples from Papal History
The 1903 conclave took five days. The shortest in history, in 1503, lasted a single day. These examples show how varied the process can be, depending on unity—or lack thereof.
What Happens When a Pope Is Finally Elected?
When white smoke appears, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring. The senior cardinal deacon then appears on the balcony with the words, “Habemus Papam”—“We have a pope.” The new pontiff steps forward, offering his first blessing: Urbi et Orbi—to the city and the world.
Conclusion
The continued appearance of black smoke from the Sistine Chapel signals that the world’s cardinals are still searching for consensus. But within the sacred walls, a decision is forming—one that will shape the direction of the Catholic Church for decades to come. As the faithful wait under the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica, one thing is certain: the next puff of white smoke will be a moment of history.
FAQs
- Why do cardinals use smoke to signal their vote?
Smoke is a centuries-old tradition to publicly communicate the results of each voting round—black for no decision, white for a successful election. - How many votes are held each day during a conclave?
Cardinals vote up to four times a day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. - Who can be elected pope?
Technically, any baptized Catholic male can be elected, but in modern times, it’s always a cardinal. - What is required for a cardinal to be elected?
A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority from the cardinal electors—in this conclave, 89 out of 133 votes. - When will the next vote take place?
Voting resumes each morning and afternoon until a new pope is elected. The next round is scheduled for this afternoon.
