Day 2 of the 2025 Conclave: Black Smoke Signals Ongoing Cardinal Votes for a New Pope at the Vatican

On Thursday, black smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. This signaled that the 133 cardinal electors, gathered to choose a new pope, had failed to reach a decision for the third time. The conclave, which started just 16 days after Pope Francis passed away at 88, continued for another day.

During the initial voting on Wednesday evening, none of the cardinals secured the necessary two-thirds majority. When this happens, black smoke is released, meaning that the search for a new pontiff will go on.

To elect a new pope, one candidate must receive at least 89 votes. Once this occurs, white smoke will billow from the chimney, announcing the new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The cardinals will vote twice each morning and again in the afternoon until a consensus is reached.

The timeline for the conclave is unpredictable. However, many expect a new pope will be chosen soon. “I think the church realizes it needs to unify its followers,” said historian Rebecca Rist. “A decision might come by Saturday.”

As anticipation grew, crowds began to gather in St. Peter’s Square. Thousands watched for the signals from the chapel. A visitor from Texas, James Kleineck, expressed hope despite the black smoke, saying, “It shows the Holy Spirit is at work. We will get our pope.”

In light of this historic event, it’s worth noting that previous conclaves have varied greatly in duration. For example, the election of Pope Francis in 2013 took five ballots over two days. In contrast, Pope John Paul II in 1978 was chosen after just four days and eight ballots, showcasing how different circumstances can affect the timeline.

As the cardinals deliberate, social media buzzes with reactions. Users share their thoughts on the process, with many emphasizing the need for unity and guidance in today’s world. This context enriches our understanding of the significance of the papal election, reflecting the broader concerns of the Catholic community.

For more on the conclave and its historical implications, visit the official Vatican website [Vatican News](https://www.vaticannews.va/).

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Pope Francis, Rome, Vatican City, papal conclave, Pope, Catholic Church