A thick plume of black smoke rising from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel signaled to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square — and millions watching around the world — that the College of Cardinals has not yet elected a new pope. The ancient Vatican tradition, still upheld in the modern age of smartphones and livestreams, uses the color of the smoke to communicate the outcome of each round of voting in the papal conclave.
After three rounds of voting across two days, the result remains unchanged: no consensus. For the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, the wait for a new spiritual leader continues, filled with hope, reflection, and global speculation.
A Historic Conclave Under the Roman Sun
The papal conclave, convened to elect a successor to Pope Francis — who passed away on Easter Monday — has drawn intense attention from across the globe. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his humble leadership and progressive stance on social justice, left behind a complex legacy and big shoes to fill.
Inside the opulent walls of the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinal-electors from every corner of the world cast their votes in strict secrecy. A candidate requires at least 89 votes — a two-thirds majority — to be declared the next Bishop of Rome. With each inconclusive vote, the ballots are burned, and a chemical mixture ensures the smoke turns black — a public signal that deliberations are ongoing.
This process, as ancient as it is symbolic, stands in stark contrast to the digital age. “It’s fascinating that in 2025, the world still waits for a puff of smoke to hear the news,” remarked one onlooker on social media.
Pilgrims and Public Watch in Anticipation
Despite the lack of resolution, the mood in St Peter’s Square has remained one of anticipation and reverence. Hundreds gathered in the sunlit plaza — tourists, nuns, clergy, and locals alike — their eyes fixed on the famous chimney.
Among them, Sister Mona Lisa, a Brazilian nun living in Rome, called the event “a moment of great hope.” Clutching a Brazilian flag, she told BBC reporters, “We are here to welcome whoever the Lord has chosen for us. The Church is ready to walk with him.”
For many, the conclave is about more than religious ritual — it’s a testament to unity. “It doesn’t matter where he comes from. What matters is that he is a friend of Jesus,” said Portuguese priest Pedro Manuel, echoing sentiments of inclusiveness shared by many faithful.
Global Church, Global Candidates
As speculation swirls, several names have emerged as frontrunners in the race to become the next pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State under Pope Francis, is considered a strong contender, known for his diplomatic experience and steady leadership.
Also in the spotlight is Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, who was a leading candidate in the 2013 conclave. His potential election would mark the first African pope in over a millennium. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines represents the vast Catholic population of Asia and is seen as a figure capable of further expanding the Church’s global reach.
From the Americas, names like Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Cardinal Robert Prevost have been floated, both of whom could become the first American pope in history. Meanwhile, Cardinal vatican Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo brings with him a strong pastoral background and deep commitment to social justice.
Still, the cardinals remain tight-lipped, and any vatican decision must reflect deep spiritual consensus, not popularity.
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A Church at a Crossroads
With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church faces both an end and a beginning. The next pontiff will inherit not only the responsibilities of spiritual guidance but also the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Issues such as climate change, migration, sexual abuse scandals, and declining church attendance in Western nations are high on the agenda.
“It’s better to choose late, but choose well,” said Rosemary vatican Cópela, a visitor of Italian descent who traveled from Australia to witness the historic event. Like many others, she hopes the new pope will continue the progressive path of Pope Francis — one rooted in humility, inclusivity, and reform.
The Wait Continues
As night falls over Vatican City, cardinals are expected to vatican return for additional ballots. Should there still be no consensus, up to four more rounds may follow tomorrow. Meanwhile, the eyes of the world remain trained on that small chimney above the Sistine Chapel, waiting for the moment when white vatican smoke finally billows — signaling a new chapter in the history of vatican the Catholic Church.
Until then, the faithful wait, pray, and hope.
