Excitement and solemn anticipation gripped the Catholic world on Thursday as 133 cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel for a second day of deliberations to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis.
Late Wednesday, a plume of black smoke billowed above St. Peter’s Square, signaling that the conclave’s first ballot had failed to produce the required two-thirds majority. The signal disappointed but did not dishearten the tens of thousands of faithful, tourists, and clergy gathered below.
"I don't mind that it's black smoke," said James Kleineck, a pilgrim from Texas. "It shows the Holy Spirit is at work."
The cardinals, who have been sequestered at the Santa Marta residence since the start of the conclave, began their day with a private mass before resuming voting. If the morning vote again fails to produce a clear winner, two additional ballots are expected in the afternoon.
This conclave is the most diverse in the Church’s history, with representation from nearly 70 countries. While no clear favorite has emerged, possible successors span both progressive and conservative wings of the Church, including Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary, and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka.
During Wednesday’s opening mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, urged voters to seek divine guidance. “The pope elected must be one whom the Church and humanity need at this complex moment in history,” he said.
The selection process, bound by centuries-old tradition and strict secrecy, continues until a consensus is reached. The outcome of each vote is communicated through the iconic smoke signals—black for no decision, white for a successful election.
Once chosen, the new pontiff will be introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, becoming the 267th pope and spiritual leader to over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The Church’s next leader faces formidable challenges: navigating global conflicts, restoring unity within a divided clergy, confronting the fallout from sexual abuse scandals, and reviving faith in increasingly secular societies.
Despite the solemnity of the process, hope and faith endure.
"I'm glad they're taking their time," said Barbara Mason, a visitor from Canada. "It shows they are thinking carefully about the future of the Church."
The conclave continues behind the iconic doors of the Sistine Chapel, as the world watches and waits for white smoke—and a new pope.