Quote from Alex bobby on May 8, 2025, 5:13 AM

Second Day of Conclave Begins as Cardinals Continue Search for New Pope After Pope Francis’ Passing
Vatican City — Historic gathering sees 133 cardinals vote in largest conclave ever

The Sistine Chapel doors have closed once again, as 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries reconvened on Thursday morning for the second day of the papal conclave to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. The election follows the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April, ending an era marked by progressive reforms, global outreach, and efforts to revitalise the Church’s spiritual mission in a modern world.

On Wednesday, the first day of voting ended without a decision, as expected. With no candidate receiving the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—a plume of black smoke emerged from the chapel’s chimney just over two hours later than anticipated. The delay, according to Vatican officials, was due to the logistical complexity of managing the largest conclave in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Ancient Rituals in a Modern Church

Before entering seclusion, the cardinal electors attended the traditional Missa Pro Eligendo Pontifice (Mass for the Election of the Pope) at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. In his homily, Cardinal Re urged the electors to choose a pope capable of guiding the Church through an increasingly complex and divided world.

“May the Holy Spirit lead us to a shepherd with wisdom, courage, and compassion, one who can meet the challenges of today’s faithful and renew the light of Christ in the world,” he said.

Once the Mass concluded, the cardinals made their way to the Sistine Chapel, where they took the oath of secrecy and pledged to act according to their conscience and the good of the Church.

A Diverse and Global College of Cardinals

This conclave is notable not only for its size but for its diversity. The 133 voting cardinals represent 70 different nations—a reflection of the Church’s expanding global reach. Many analysts and observers believe this diversity could influence the selection of a pontiff who represents a broader, more inclusive vision of Catholicism.

Leading contenders remain Cardinals Pietro Parolin of Italy, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, a figure known for his deep pastoral concern and resonance with the Global South. While no frontrunner has emerged, insiders say that both men are widely respected and likely to receive significant support in early ballots.

However, history has shown that conclaves can produce unexpected outcomes, with compromise candidates often gaining momentum after the early favourites stall.

Second Day of Voting Underway

Thursday began with a morning Mass at 7:45 a.m., after which the cardinals resumed voting in the Sistine Chapel. Four ballots are scheduled for today—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After each pair of ballots, the outcome is signalled by smoke rising from the chimney above the chapel.

If a new pope is elected, the smoke will be white—an eagerly awaited sign to the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions more watching around the world. If not, black smoke will continue to mark the lack of consensus.

Vatican officials have emphasised that while many cardinals hope for a short conclave, the importance of the decision means the process cannot be rushed. In recent history, conclaves have taken between three and eight ballots before reaching a conclusion.

Public Awaiting Signs

On Wednesday, over 40,000 pilgrims and visitors packed St. Peter’s Square to witness the beginning of the conclave. Applause echoed through the square as the chapel doors were shut—a ceremonial moment that marks the cardinals’ total seclusion from the outside world until a decision is reached.

The delay in the first smoke signal caused speculation, with some wondering if procedural issues or extended discussions had played a role. Vatican spokespersons later clarified that the sheer number of votes cast, each needing to be carefully verified and burned, accounted for the longer-than-usual wait.

The next smoke signals are expected around noon and 7:00 p.m. local time. Until then, the world watches and waits.

What Lies Ahead

As the cardinals deliberate in silence beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes, their task is not merely to choose a figurehead, but a spiritual leader capable of addressing a Church navigating a world filled with division, secularism, and suffering. From sexual abuse scandals and declining church attendance in the West to booming congregations in Africa and Asia, the next pope will inherit a Church of contrasts—rich with diversity but fraught with challenge.

While the conclave is cloaked in secrecy, the prayers and hopes of 1.4 billion Catholics around the world remain focused on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. When the white smoke finally rises, it will not only signal the election of a new pontiff but also the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church.