Thu May 08 10:34:32 UTC 2025: ## Black Smoke Signals No New Pope on Second Day of Conclave
**Vatican City** – The eagerly awaited white smoke signifying the election of a new pope failed to appear for a second day at the Vatican. Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 11:50 am (09:50 GMT) Thursday, indicating that the 133 cardinal electors had not yet reached a two-thirds majority in their voting.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square remained hopeful, but disappointed, after two morning ballots yielded no clear victor. The cardinals, sequestered since Wednesday, held an initial inconclusive vote Wednesday evening and conducted two more ballots Thursday morning before the black smoke was released. The process will continue with two afternoon ballots, and repeat daily until a new pope is chosen.
The cardinals, representing approximately 70 countries, convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21st. Their mobile phones were confiscated and communication around the Vatican jammed to ensure secrecy during the conclave. Wednesday’s initial black smoke, appearing several hours after voting began, fueled speculation about the length of the process.
While some cardinals predicted a swift election, historical precedent suggests a longer timeframe. Past conclaves have required three to fourteen ballots, with examples including John Paul I (four ballots) and John Paul II (eight ballots). Pope Francis himself was elected on the fifth ballot in 2013. The search for the 267th pope continues.
First Piper 