The Cardinals responsible for electing a new Pope prepared to enter the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel for the second day of voting. On Thursday, a plume of black smoke rose above St. Peter’s Square, signaling that the first vote had failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis.
The 133 Cardinals, often referred to as the “Princes of the Church,” will spend the night at a guesthouse in Santa Marta. They plan to hold a private mass in the morning before beginning the next round of voting.
If the first secret ballot in the morning does not result in a winner, a second vote will follow. Should there still be no consensus, additional votes will be conducted in the afternoon.
The Cardinals will remain behind closed doors until a new Pope is elected, pledging to keep the process confidential, with the threat of excommunication looming over any leaks.
“Black smoke”
In order to avoid distractions and preserve the secrecy of their voting, the only way to communicate the results is through smoke. Black smoke indicates no decision, while white signifies a new Pope has been elected.
The last two pontifical elections in 2005 and 2013 concluded in two days, although historically, some have stretched over years, with the longest taking nearly three years from November 1268 to September 1271.
Before the smoke appeared, tens of thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and curious locals gathered in St. Peter’s Square, lighting up the area with the warm glow of dusk. A collective sigh came when the smoke didn’t turn white, dispelling hopes for a swift resolution.
Still, spirits remained high amidst the crowd.
“Black smoke doesn’t bother me; it shows the Holy Spirit is indeed at work. There will be more votes soon,” said one visitor.
Barbara Mason, 50, traveled from Canada, expressing her desire to see a Pope who continues along the path set by Francis. “I appreciate the careful deliberation; it means they’re seriously considering who should lead the Church,” she noted.
This 2025 Conclave is unique, being the largest and most international to date, featuring Cardinals from around 70 countries, many of whom were unfamiliar with one another prior to this election.
There is no clear favorite to replace the charismatic Pope Francis, and the Cardinals represent a blend of progressive and conservative views within the church.
The new Pope will face significant challenges, including navigating deep divisions within the Church and addressing the fallout from a global sexual abuse scandal, particularly in the West, where support is waning.
What the church needs
The Conclave’s opening was broadcast on a large screen outside St. Peter’s Cathedral, showcasing a solemn procession of Cardinals and clergy as they made their way to the Sistine Chapel.
Before entering, they gathered for silent prayers in the Vatican’s Pauline Chapel, subsequently moving in a colorful procession, flanked by Swiss guards, to the chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s frescoes.
During the Mass on Wednesday morning, Giovanni Batista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, offered some last-minute counsel, calling for divine help. It’s noteworthy that Re himself is too old to vote, requiring a Cardinal under the age of 80 to serve in that capacity.
Balcony address
The Mass was the last public ceremony before the new Pope is presented from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral. About 80% of the Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, who is viewed as both charismatic and impulsive. While some seek a successor to nurture his legacy, others are looking for a defender of more conservative values.
Names being discussed include Piazabattista Pizzabara from Italy, Peter Eldo from Hungary, and Malcolm Landis from Sri Lanka.
