Black smoke once again rose from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025, signaling that the 133 cardinals gathered for the papal conclave have not yet elected a new pope. This marks the second unsuccessful round of voting since the process began on Wednesday.
The cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes—for a candidate to be elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Voting is set to continue Thursday afternoon with two more ballots scheduled.
So far, the conclave has been conducted in strict secrecy within the Vatican, with all communication to the outside world cut off. Despite the lack of a result, thousands of faithful have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, watching the chapel chimney for the signal of a successful vote: white smoke.
Among the faithful was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania, who told Vatican News that believers are united in prayer, hoping for a pope who will spiritually guide the Church, regardless of his origin.
