No Pope Elected After Third Ballot; Black Smoke Emerges from Vatican Chimney

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VATICAN CITY – Cardinals have failed to elect a new Pope after three ballots, signaled by black smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, May 8, 2025. This marks the second day of the conclave, where 133 cardinal electors are sequestered to choose a successor to the late Pope Francis.

• The Voting Process: The 133 cardinals, representing the global diversity of the Catholic Church, are participating in the conclave. They are required to achieve a two-thirds majority (89 votes) to elect a new pope. Up to four ballots are held each day, and voting will continue until a pope is elected.
• Smoke Signals: Black smoke indicates that no consensus has been reached. White smoke will signal the election of a new Pope.
• Day Two Developments: After an inconclusive first vote on Wednesday, black smoke appeared again after the second and third ballots on Thursday. The cardinals will return to their residences for lunch and resume voting in the afternoon.
• Potential Candidates: While there is no clear frontrunner, several names have been circulating, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdő, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
  Thousands of faithful and curious onlookers have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, awaiting the white smoke that will announce the election of the new pontiff.