On May 8, 2025, the second day of the papal conclave commenced as 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
At 11:51 a.m. local time, black smoke—fumata nera—emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the cardinals had not reached the required two-thirds majority (89 votes) in the morning’s ballots. This follows an initial inconclusive vote on the evening of May 7, which also resulted in black smoke.
The cardinals are scheduled to conduct two additional votes this afternoon. If a new pope is elected, white smoke—fumata bianca—will signal the decision, accompanied by the ringing of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica.
This conclave is notable for its size and diversity, with 133 cardinal electors participating, the largest number in history. Of these, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, potentially influencing the direction of the Church’s future leadership.
The conclave operates under strict secrecy. Cardinals are sequestered within Vatican City, residing at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, and are prohibited from communicating with the outside world. Voting occurs in the Sistine Chapel, where ballots are burned after each session. Chemicals are added to the smoke to ensure clear signals: black for no decision, white for a successful election.
Crowds have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, watching for the smoke signals that will announce the election’s outcome. The process continues to captivate the world, as the faithful and observers await the selection of the 267th pope.
