Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney this afternoon, signaling that the College of Cardinals has yet to elect a new pope after the second round of voting in the ongoing papal conclave.

The gathering, which began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, follows the recent passing of Pope Francis and has so far failed to produce a successor, with no candidate securing the required two-thirds majority of votes.

The 133 cardinal electors, representing different regions and theological perspectives, are expected to continue voting in two sessions each day, in the morning and afternoon, until a new pope is chosen.

In this highly secretive process, cardinals are secluded from any outside communication, and the ballots are burned after each round. Black smoke, as seen today, indicates no decision, while white smoke and the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome will signal the election of a new pope.

This afternoon’s voting sessions are expected to take place around 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Vatican time (10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET). The Catholic Church remains in a state of sede vacante, or “empty throne,” until a new pontiff is elected.

Crowds once again gathered in St. Peter’s Square despite the spring rain, watching the chimney with anticipation and a mix of patience and anxiety. Many have come to witness a moment of great significance, reflecting the global interest in who will lead the Church’s 1.3 billion followers.

The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, which is grappling with challenges such as declining attendance in parts of the world, mounting calls for internal reform, the need for deeper interfaith engagement, and a growing demand for moral leadership on climate change.

Speculation swirls around potential papal candidates from Africa, Latin America, or Asia, with many watching closely to see what vision and direction the next pope will bring to a rapidly evolving global Church.

As the conclave extends into the afternoon, all eyes remain fixed on the Sistine Chapel, where centuries-old tradition and modern hopes converge, and the future of the papacy hangs in the balance.