Papal conclave enters second day cardinals cast ballots black smoke rises again.

🇻🇦PAPAL CONCLAVE VOTING CONTINUES THURSDAY | 133 CARDINALS SEEKING TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY

The 133 cardinal electors will resume voting for the next pope Thursday morning with ballots scheduled for approximately 10:30am and noon local time (4:30am Eastern), followed by afternoon… https://t.co/jJjHf6gwcp pic.twitter.com/FN7Z0FESqD

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 8, 2025

The search for the next pope continues as 133 cardinal electors reconvene in the Sistine Chapel for another round of voting. The first day ended with black smoke billowing from the chapel chimney, signaling that no candidate had secured the required two-thirds majority. The process resumes Thursday morning, with ballots scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and noon local time, followed by afternoon votes at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. if necessary.

The conclave follows a strictly choreographed ritual, steeped in centuries of tradition. Each cardinal writes their choice on a ballot inscribed with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”) before approaching the altar to place their vote. The ballots are then pierced and strung together with red thread, ensuring accuracy before being burned. The resulting smoke—black for no decision, white for a new pope—is the only signal the outside world receives.

The secrecy surrounding the conclave is absolute. Cardinals are barred from leaving or communicating with the outside world, with cellphones surrendered and Vatican airwaves jammed to prevent leaks. The process is designed to ensure that the election remains free from external influence, allowing the cardinals to deliberate without political pressure.

Historically, papal elections conclude within two to four days. Both Benedict XVI in 2005 and Francis in 2013 were chosen within 48 hours, following similar patterns of early black smoke before consensus was reached. The current conclave, however, is the most geographically diverse in history, with cardinals from 70 countries casting votes. The expanded representation could lead to longer deliberations, as factions within the church debate the future direction of Catholic leadership.

The world watches as the Vatican prepares for another day of voting. If no pope is elected Thursday, the process will continue until a candidate secures the necessary majority. The faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square remain hopeful, waiting for the moment when white smoke rises, signaling the arrival of the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.