Vatican City – Hopes for a quick papal election were dashed again today, as thick black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney for the second consecutive day. This ancient signal shows that the cardinal electors have not yet chosen a new pope to succeed the late Pope Francis.
The conclave, which began on May 7, has now completed its first full day of deliberations. As we reported yesterday, the initial evening ballot also produced black smoke, indicating no immediate consensus among the cardinal electors. Each subsequent round of voting brings the world closer to hearing the words “Habemus Papam”, but as of this morning, no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority vote.
Over 130 cardinals from around the world remain sequestered inside the chapel, locked away from outside contact, in line with centuries-old tradition. They are allowed up to four ballots per day and are expected to continue voting this afternoon.
The Conclave So Far
Following yesterday’s solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals have now conducted multiple rounds of voting. Tradition dictates complete secrecy during the process, with voting papers burned after each ballot – black smoke indicating no decision, white smoke announcing a new pope has been elected.
Crowds Wait, World Watches
Large crowds stood quietly in St. Peter‘s Square this morning, many returning for a second day of vigilance. As the black smoke appeared, a gentle sigh rolled through the people gathered below.
“I came here hoping to see white smoke,” said Maria Lopez, a visitor from Spain who has been present since the conclave began. “But I’ll keep coming back. We’re waiting for a holy man to lead us.”
Online, millions are following the Vatican livestream and tracking every plume of smoke. Social media lit up with reactions once again, with #BlackSmoke and #ConclaveDay2 trending across several platforms.
The Front-Runners
Among the cardinals believed to be top contenders are:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic skill;
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, a respected voice from Asia;
- Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who would be the first African pope in over a thousand years.
Church watchers also mention Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, an Italian known for pushing peace talks and connecting with younger Catholics. As the conclave continues, Vatican experts note that extended deliberations might open the door for compromise candidates not initially considered frontrunners.
A Church at a Crossroads
The new pope will take over at a time of global unrest and internal Church challenges. Scandals, declining attendance in Europe and North America, and debates over Church reforms make this a critical moment.
Still, many faithful remain hopeful. “We need a leader who will unify, but also adapt to this modern world,” said Father John Eze, a Nigerian priest visiting Rome. “The Holy Spirit will guide them.”
What Comes Next
If this afternoon’s ballots do not produce a winner, the conclave will resume again tomorrow. Once a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise, bells will ring, and the new pontiff will appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Until then, the world waits in quiet expectation, with all eyes fixed on that small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
Related Coverage: Read our earlier report on the conclave’s opening here: https://nigerianews.com.ng/how-cardinals-will-choose-pope-francis-successor/
