Vatican conclave continues with no pope after 133 cardinals’ latest ballots

Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday morning, May 8, 2025, signaling that the 133 cardinals gathered in the conclave had not yet selected a new pope after two rounds of voting. The ongoing process, which began Wednesday to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, has drawn thousands of faithful to St. Peter’s Square, where they await the white smoke that will announce the election of the 267th pontiff. The conclave, the largest and most diverse in history, reflects the global reach of the Catholic Church, with electors from 70 countries. No candidate has secured the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, prolonging the secretive ritual under Michelangelo’s frescoes.

The cardinals, sequestered in the Vatican, will break for lunch before resuming with up to two more voting rounds this afternoon. The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, remains shrouded in secrecy, with the only public signal being the smoke from burned ballots. The absence of white smoke has kept the crowd in suspense, with estimates of 11,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Thursday morning.

Latin chants and organ music accompanied the cardinals as they entered the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, marking the start of the conclave. The electors, all under 80, swore oaths of secrecy, ensuring no details of their deliberations reach the outside world.

• Voting rounds: Two ballots held Thursday morning, with two more possible this afternoon.
• Electoral threshold: 89 votes needed for a two-thirds majority.
• Crowd size: Approximately 11,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square Thursday morning.

Rituals of the Sistine Chapel

The conclave’s opening on May 7 was marked by a solemn procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the most senior cardinal bishop eligible to vote. The cardinals, dressed in red robes with sashes and pectoral crosses, entered in reverse hierarchical order, with deacons first, followed by priests and bishops. Each swore an oath, touching the Holy Gospels, to protect the Church’s freedom and maintain secrecy, vowing to avoid secular influences.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican’s master of ceremonies, pronounced the Latin command “Extra omnes,” clearing the chapel of all non-electors. The doors were sealed, and the cardinals began their deliberations under Michelangelo’s Last Judgment fresco. The first vote, held Wednesday evening, produced black smoke at 9:05 p.m., indicating no pope had been chosen.

The Sistine Chapel, the conclave’s seat since 1492, is equipped with a special stove where ballots are burned after each session. Chemicals, including potassium perchlorate for black smoke and potassium chlorate for white, ensure clear signals. The process, unchanged for centuries, blends ritual with precision, with ballots threaded together and burned to communicate results to the world.

Diversity of the electors

The 2025 conclave is the most geographically diverse in history, with 133 cardinals from 70 countries, up from 115 from 48 nations in 2013. Pope Francis, during his 12-year papacy, appointed 108 of these electors, expanding the Church’s representation to include voices from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Ten cardinals from the United States are among the voters, raising speculation about a potential first American pope.

Cardinals like Pietro Parolin of Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Péter Erdő of Hungary are among the names frequently mentioned as frontrunners. Others, including Jean-Marc Aveline of France and Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines, have also emerged as potential candidates. The diversity of the electors, many unfamiliar with one another, has led to extended pre-conclave discussions to align on priorities.

The global composition reflects Francis’ efforts to broaden the Church’s reach, particularly in the global South, where Catholic congregations are growing. The cardinals face the challenge of balancing continuity with Francis’ reformist vision against calls for a return to traditional practices, a divide that may explain the prolonged voting.

• Elector origins: 70 countries represented, including 10 U.S. cardinals.
• Francis’ appointees: 108 of the 133 electors chosen by the late pope.
• Key candidates: Parolin, Tagle, and Erdő among the top names discussed.

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Faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square

Thousands of pilgrims and onlookers have flocked to St. Peter’s Square, their eyes fixed on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. On Wednesday, an estimated 45,000 people gathered, though the crowd thinned to 11,000 by Thursday morning after repeated black smoke signals. The atmosphere remains electric, with spontaneous applause and groans of disappointment as smoke appears.

Visitors like Ismael Rivera, a 43-year-old Peruvian computer engineer, expressed a desire to witness history, even knowing a first-day election was unlikely. Nuns, tourists, and locals, including those waving flags from the Philippines and other nations, add to the vibrant scene. Large screens in the square broadcast the chimney, often accompanied by seagulls perching nearby, adding a touch of whimsy to the solemn wait.

The faithful endure long hours, some standing with limited food and water, as they pray for the cardinals’ discernment. The Vatican has restricted cellphone signals within its territory to ensure secrecy, leaving the crowd reliant on smoke signals for updates.

Voting process and secrecy

Each voting round, known as a scrutiny, follows a meticulous protocol. Cardinals write their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot, disguising their handwriting, and fold it before approaching the altar. They declare, in Italian, “I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one whom I believe should be elected,” then place the ballot on a plate over a chalice, tipping it into the receptacle.

Scrutineers, Infirmarii, and Revisers—nine cardinals appointed for each session—oversee the process, ensuring accuracy. Ballots are read aloud, threaded with a needle through the word “Eligo” (I elect), and burned after counting. If no candidate secures 89 votes, black smoke signals the result. The process repeats, with up to four ballots daily until a pope is chosen.

The conclave’s secrecy is paramount. Cardinals surrender phones and computers, and the Sistine Chapel is swept for listening devices. The Swiss Guard secures the chapel’s entrances, and only electors remain after the “Extra omnes” command, ensuring deliberations remain private.

• Ballot protocol: Cardinals disguise handwriting and swear an oath before voting.
• Smoke signals: Black for no decision, white for a new pope, enhanced by chemicals.
• Secrecy measures: No phones, swept chapel, and guarded entrances.

Historical speed of conclaves

Recent conclaves have been swift, with the last three popes elected in two to three days. Pope Francis was chosen in 2013 after five ballots over two days, while Benedict XVI required four ballots in 2005. John Paul II’s 1978 election took eight ballots over three days. Since 1900, conclaves have averaged three days and seven ballots, a stark contrast to earlier centuries, when some lasted years.

The 1268–1271 conclave, which elected Gregory X, dragged on for nearly 1,000 days, prompting locals to lock cardinals in until a decision was reached—hence the term “conclave,” meaning “under lock and key.” Modern conclaves, governed by the Vatican’s Universi Dominici Gregis, are streamlined, with pauses for prayer if no pope is elected after three days. The 2025 conclave’s diversity and divisions may extend the process slightly, but experts anticipate a resolution by Friday.

The rapid pace reflects the urgency of filling the papal seat during the Sede Vacante period, when the Church operates under the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The current conclave, despite its challenges, follows this trend, with cardinals voting diligently to select a leader for 1.4 billion Catholics.

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Cardinal Re’s call for faith

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, has played a prominent role despite being ineligible to vote due to his age. On Wednesday, he presided over the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a homily that emphasized unity in diversity and fidelity to the Gospel. Visiting Pompei on Thursday, he expressed hope for white smoke by evening, signaling a new pope.

Re urged the cardinals to seek a pontiff who can “strengthen faith in God” in a world marked by technological progress but spiritual neglect. His words echo the challenges facing the Church, including evangelization, vocations, and global conflicts, discussed during the 12 pre-conclave congregations. His influence, though outside the voting chamber, underscores the weight of senior cardinals in shaping the conclave’s tone.

The homily’s focus on diversity aligns with Francis’ legacy of inclusivity, yet Re’s call for spiritual awakening suggests a desire for a pope who can bridge modern and traditional values. His remarks have resonated with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, many of whom share his hope for a swift resolution.

Frontrunners and papal contenders

Speculation swirls around potential candidates, though no official nominees exist. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is seen as a moderate who could continue Francis’ diplomatic approach. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, known for his charisma and reformist stance, is another strong contender. Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, with his scholarly background, appeals to those seeking a balanced leader.

Other names include Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, and Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, a Spaniard serving in Morocco. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, a Filipino bishop from a poor diocese, has also gained attention for his humility. The large number of new cardinals, many appointed by Francis, makes the outcome unpredictable, as electors navigate linguistic and cultural differences.

The term “papabile,” meaning “pope-able,” describes cardinals with the qualities needed for the papacy. The 2025 conclave’s diversity and lack of a clear favorite have led to a wide-open field, with geography, doctrine, and language influencing votes.

• Top contenders: Parolin, Tagle, and Erdő lead discussions among electors.
• Emerging names: Aveline, Prevost, Romero, and David gain traction.
• Unpredictability: New cardinals and diversity complicate consensus.

Role of the chimney signals

The Sistine Chapel’s chimney, a focal point for the faithful, has signaled conclave outcomes since the 19th century. Black smoke, produced by burning ballots with potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur, indicates an inconclusive vote, as seen Wednesday and Thursday. White smoke, created with potassium chlorate and other chemicals, will announce a new pope, accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells.

The chimney, installed last week by Vatican workers, is a modern adaptation of a tradition that began when ballots were burned to maintain secrecy. A fireworks expert, Massimiliano De Sanctis, customized a machine for the 2005 and 2013 conclaves, ensuring clear smoke signals. The process, lasting about seven minutes per burn, captivates onlookers, with seagulls occasionally perching on the chimney, delighting crowds.

The smoke’s clarity is critical, as past conclaves faced confusion over ambiguous hues. The Vatican’s use of chemicals and bells ensures the world knows when “Habemus Papam” is declared, marking the election’s culmination.

Life inside the conclave

The cardinals, sequestered in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, follow a disciplined routine. They celebrate Mass each morning before voting in the Sistine Chapel, with two ballots in the morning and two in the afternoon. Meals and rest occur at Santa Marta, but no contact with the outside world is permitted, reinforcing the conclave’s isolation.

The electors face linguistic challenges, as not all speak fluent Italian, the Vatican’s lingua franca. Pre-conclave sessions allowed cardinals to connect, but the large number of newcomers—many appointed by Francis—has slowed consensus. The absence of phones and media ensures focus, though the cardinals may discuss priorities like evangelization or Vatican finances during breaks.

The conclave’s secrecy extends to the “Room of Tears,” where the elected pope dons the white cassock for the first time. Garments in three sizes await, accommodating whoever is chosen. The room’s name reflects the emotional weight of the papacy, with past popes reportedly moved to tears upon their election.

Global anticipation and media focus

The conclave has drawn global attention, with media outlets fixating on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Helicopters circle overhead, and large screens in St. Peter’s Square display the chimney, amplifying the drama. Posts on X reflect the excitement, with users sharing images of black smoke and speculating about candidates.

Crowds at other Roman basilicas, like St. Mary Major, where 5,000 gathered Thursday, underscore the event’s significance. Pilgrims from countries like the Philippines, waving flags in St. Peter’s Square, highlight the Church’s global reach. The Vatican’s decision to broadcast the opening procession, but not the voting, balances transparency with tradition.

The media’s focus on smoke signals, seagulls, and crowd reactions adds a modern layer to the ancient ritual. The world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, along with curious onlookers, await the white smoke that will signal a new era for the Church.

Church’s challenges in focus

The conclave occurs amid deep divisions within the Catholic Church, with debates over Francis’ reforms, including greater openness to marginalized groups and synodality. Cardinals discussed key issues during pre-conclave congregations, including sexual abuse scandals, Vatican finances, and global conflicts. The next pope will inherit these challenges, shaping the Church’s direction for years to come.

Some electors seek continuity with Francis’ vision, while others advocate a return to traditional doctrines. The diversity of the conclave, with voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, ensures a broad range of priorities, from evangelization in growing regions to addressing secularism in Europe. The cardinals’ deliberations, though secret, reflect these tensions.

The conclave’s outcome will determine how the Church navigates these issues, with the new pope tasked with uniting a fragmented flock. The faithful in St. Peter’s Square, praying for guidance, embody the hope that the Holy Spirit will guide the electors to a worthy leader.