Cardinals Return for Second Day of Voting in Papal Conclave

The papal conclave has entered its second day on May 8, 2025, after the first round of voting failed to yield a new pope. On the evening of May 7, black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the centuries-old signal that no candidate had received the required two-thirds majority from the 133 cardinal electors. The world watched closely as this visual cue confirmed that the Catholic Church remains in a period of sede vacante the time between popes.

Cardinals are set to reconvene within the Sistine Chapel today to continue the election process, which remains highly secretive and bound by ancient traditions. Inside the fresco-covered chamber, they will conduct additional ballots in an effort to select the 267th pope. The conclave proceedings are being closely followed by Catholic faithful and observers worldwide, with live updates being provided by major media outlets as the process unfolds.

The election of a new pope carries immense spiritual and global significance, shaping the future direction of the Catholic Church and its role in international affairs. As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on the Vatican for the symbolic puff of white smoke he signs that a new leader has been chosen and accepted the papal office. Until then, the world waits with hope and curiosity for the next chapter in Church history.