Vatican City – May 8, 2025 — The second day of the papal conclave has ended its morning session without consensus, as black smoke once again billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 a.m., signaling that the 133 cardinal electors have failed to choose a new pope.
This was the result of two morning ballots conducted in a more streamlined manner compared to the inaugural vote on Wednesday afternoon. The cardinals have now withdrawn to the Santa Marta residence for lunch and are scheduled to return to the Sistine Chapel at 4:00 p.m. for two additional rounds of voting.
According to the established Vatican protocol, should a candidate secure the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—during the first afternoon ballot, white smoke could rise as early as 5:30 p.m. If no agreement is reached, a second vote will follow, with a final smoke signal expected around 7:00 p.m.
Pietro Parolin, the current Secretary of State, remains the leading contender according to media speculation and internal discussions, though his position could weaken if the conclave continues without resolution. Other names circulating as potential successors include French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, and Italians Matteo Zuppi and Gianbattista Pizzaballa.
Despite the lack of a decision, the event continues to draw massive public attention. Over 11,000 people gathered in and around St. Peter’s Square to witness the morning fumata, according to Rome’s police department, with a significant security presence deployed in the surrounding streets. Even larger crowds are expected this evening as the world waits to see whether white smoke will finally rise over the Vatican.
The College of Cardinals continues its deliberations in secrecy, with the eyes of millions fixed on a single chimney that, at any moment, may herald the beginning of a new papacy.
