For the second consecutive day, black smoke rose from the chimney above the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals in conclave have yet to agree on a new pope.
The smoke, a centuries-old tradition, indicates an inconclusive result from the latest round of voting in the papal conclave. White smoke, in contrast, will announce the successful election of a new Pontiff.
The Cardinals are expected to continue deliberations until a consensus is reached.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square watched in anticipation, only to be met with the dark plume that means the world must wait a little longer for news of a new spiritual leader for the Catholic Church.
The election of a new pope follows the death of Pope Francis.
The Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. at the age of 88.
He died at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
