Vatican City, 8th May 2025 – The ongoing conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis has now entered its second day, with the global Catholic community still awaiting the definitive signal of a new pontiff. Following the initial votes yesterday, black smoke has billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on two occasions, confirming that the College of Cardinals has not yet reached the necessary two-thirds consensus to elect a new leader for the Church.
The first instance of black smoke appeared last evening around 9:00 PM local time, after the initial round of voting concluded. This outcome was widely anticipated, as papal elections have not resulted in a Pope on the first ballot for several centuries.
This morning, the 133 cardinal electors reconvened within the secure confines of the Sistine Chapel to continue the electoral process. After the morning session concluded, a second emission of black smoke was observed at approximately 11:50 AM local time. This signifies that the subsequent two ballots also failed to produce a successful election.
The cardinals will now pause for lunch before returning to the Apostolic Palace at 3:45 PM local time. Voting is scheduled to recommence at 4:30 PM local time for the afternoon session, during which two additional ballots will be cast.
Current Smoke Status
As of 11:50 AM BST (12:50 PM Central European Time) today, Thursday, May 8th, 2025, the smoke remains black. This indicates that the selection of a new Pope has not yet occurred.
Next Voting Session Today
The next voting session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM local time (3:30 PM BST) later today, Thursday, May 8th, 2025. Should a Pope be elected during this afternoon session, white smoke would typically emerge following the first ballot. If the initial afternoon vote is inconclusive, black smoke will not be released until after the second ballot of the afternoon, anticipated around 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM BST).
Large numbers of faithful and observers continue to gather in St. Peter’s Square, their gaze fixed on the chimney for the anticipated white smoke, which would be accompanied by the joyous peal of the bells from St. Peter’s Basilica, proclaiming “Habemus Papam” – We have a Pope. The world remains attentive as the cardinal electors continue their deliberations within the sacred environment of the Vatican.
Understanding Papal Conclaves and Smoke Signals
The tradition of using smoke signals serves as a historical method of communicating the outcome of the confidential papal election to the waiting world outside the Vatican.
- Black Smoke: Indicates that no candidate has secured the required two-thirds majority of votes. Historically, this was achieved by burning the paper ballots along with materials like pitch or tar. Modern conclaves utilize chemical agents to ensure a distinct black color.
- White Smoke: Signals the successful election of a new Pope. This is produced by burning the ballots with a different combination of chemicals, including potassium chlorate, sulfur, and lactose. The ringing of the Basilica bells provides further confirmation of a successful election.
The cardinal electors are sequestered within the Vatican for the duration of the conclave, maintaining complete separation from the outside world. They participate in up to four ballots each day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon – until a Pope is elected. The duration of this process can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks, although recent conclaves have tended to be relatively brief. Sources and related content
