Second Day of Papal Conclave Begins as Cardinals Resume Voting

The second day of the papal conclave began on May 8, 2025, as Cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel to continue the process of electing a new Pope.

This follows the first day of voting, which ended without a result—signaled by black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the evening of May 7. In papal tradition, black smoke indicates that no candidate has received the required majority, while white smoke signals the election of a new Pope.

As scheduled, Cardinals began their day with breakfast, followed by a Mass dedicated to praying for divine guidance in the election process.

Voting resumed at 10:30 a.m., with a second session expected at 12:00 p.m. If no Pope is elected during the morning, two additional rounds are planned for the evening at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

In St. Peter’s Square, a modest crowd of faithful gathered in anticipation, awaiting any sign from the chapel chimney. As seen on May 7, the number of onlookers is expected to grow throughout the day.

If no white smoke rises by the end of the day, the conclave will continue on May 9 and could even extend to May 10, should no candidate receive the necessary 89 out of 133 votes.

The new Pope will succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after a period of illness.