Black Smoke Signals Cardinals Have Yet to Elect a New Pope

Black smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

For the second consecutive day, black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the College of Cardinals has not yet reached a consensus on electing a new pope to succeed the late Pope Francis. The 133 cardinal electors, representing 70 countries, continue their deliberations in the secretive conclave, requiring a two-thirds majority—89 votes—to elect the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

The conclave commenced on May 7, following the traditional rituals, including the oath of secrecy and the chanting of the "Veni Creator Spiritus." Since then, multiple ballots have been cast without yielding a decisive outcome. The black smoke, produced by burning the ballots with specific chemicals, serves as a signal to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and to observers worldwide that no pope has been elected.

Among the leading candidates are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. The diverse composition of the College of Cardinals, a reflection of Pope Francis's efforts to globalize the Church's leadership, adds complexity to the decision-making process.

Historically, conclaves have varied in duration, but recent precedents suggest that a new pope could be elected within a few days. The cardinals are expected to continue voting up to four times daily until a consensus is achieved. The world watches with anticipation for the white smoke that will announce the election of the new spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.