
Black Smoke Rises Again as Cardinals Fail to Elect New Pope on Day Two
- Interfaith
- May 8, 2025
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Black Smoke Rises Again as Cardinals Fail to Elect New Pope on Day Two
Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk
The search for a new pope continues as black smoke once again emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, confirming that Catholic cardinals have not yet reached a decision after two additional ballots.
The second day of the papal conclave began early Thursday morning with renewed efforts to select a successor to Pope Francis. Despite high hopes, both morning votes ended without a two-thirds consensus among the 133 cardinal electors, signaling no candidate secured the required support.
According to Vatican tradition, black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signals the election of a new pontiff. Two more rounds of voting are scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with the next visual sign expected around 7:00 PM local time.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the pre-conclave mass, expressed optimism earlier in the day. Speaking during a visit to Pompeii, he said, “I hope to see white smoke this evening. The Church needs spiritual renewal and a leader who can rekindle faith in today’s world.”
A successful election today would mark the fastest papal selection in modern history, potentially surpassing the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI within 36 hours.
However, divisions within the College of Cardinals have made the process more complex. Pope Francis left behind a diverse group of electors, some aligned with his progressive vision, while others advocate a return to traditional values.
Top contenders for the papacy include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin – Vatican’s Secretary of State with strong diplomatic credentials
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – A reform-minded leader from the Philippines
- Cardinal Péter Erdő – A conservative voice from Hungary
- Cardinal Robert Sarah – A vocal traditionalist from Guinea
- Cardinal Robert Prevost – An American bishop seen as a centrist candidate
Over 45,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eagerly watching the chapel chimney for signs of a breakthrough. Meanwhile, more than 100,000 tuned in online to live broadcasts, which showed a fixed view of the chimney and the occasional seagull.
The conclave will continue until a new leader is chosen for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Until then, the faithful and curious alike remain on watch, awaiting the moment when white smoke will rise, signaling the dawn of a new papacy.