A plume of black smoke billowed over St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday evening, signaling that the first round of voting in the papal conclave had failed to produce a two-thirds majority needed to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis. The symbolic smoke, generated from burning ballots inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, dashed hopes of a swift decision and left tens of thousands of gathered pilgrims and onlookers awaiting further news.
As the Catholic world turned its attention back to the Vatican on Thursday, 133 cardinals—referred to as the "Princes of the Church"—prepared for a second day of voting. After spending the night in seclusion at the Santa Marta guesthouse, the electors attended a private mass to seek divine guidance before resuming their solemn task.
If the morning's secret ballot again yields no result, two additional votes are scheduled for the afternoon. The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, continues behind closed doors with cardinals sworn to complete secrecy under the penalty of excommunication. Their only public communication remains the color of the smoke—black for no decision, white for a successful election.
The 2025 conclave is the most diverse and international in Church history, drawing cardinals from around 70 countries. Despite this global representation, no clear favorite has emerged, reflecting the Church's internal divisions between progressive and conservative ideologies.
People, expressed hope that the eventual successor will carry forward Pope Francis's progressive legacy.
As the cardinals deliberate, they face immense challenges—from navigating geopolitical tensions to addressing internal Church rifts and the enduring impact of clerical abuse scandals. Additionally, many Western churches struggle with dwindling attendance, underscoring the urgency for renewed leadership.
While previous papal elections in 2005 and 2013 concluded in just two days, history shows the process can take much longer. The 13th-century conclave that began in 1268 and ended in 1271 remains the longest on record.
The faithful now watch and wait, eyes fixed once more on the Sistine Chapel chimney.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)