The world is watching as the Vatican holds its Conclave to elect the 267th Pope, following the death of Pope Francis. The Conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinals from 70 countries gathering in the Sistine Chapel to make a historic decision. As of May 8, the election process has been marked by uncertainty, with no consensus reached after three rounds of voting, leading to black smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney.
On May 8 at 17:10, the fourth ballot was underway, with expectations for the next smoke signal to emerge around 17:30, contingent on the cardinals reaching an agreement. The atmosphere is charged, as thousands of onlookers gather in St. Peter's Square, eager to witness the outcome of this momentous event. Black smoke was first seen on May 7, indicating that the cardinals had not yet elected a new pontiff.
Expert Andreas R. Batlogg commented on ZDFheute that the prospects for Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who had been considered a frontrunner, are diminishing. "The terrain for him was actually prepared; he was the top favorite for days," he stated. "If he hasn't managed to gather the necessary votes by now, it shows that the cardinals are looking for someone else." This sentiment is echoed by other Vatican insiders, who suggest that the cardinals might be seeking a candidate who can unite a divided church.
As the Conclave progresses, rumors have emerged regarding potential alliances among the cardinals, particularly involving Cardinal Antonio Luis Tagle from the Philippines, who has reportedly begun supporting Parolin. However, betting odds have shifted in favor of Tagle, who now leads Parolin in popularity, according to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Other strong candidates include Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Peter Turkson from Ghana, and Jean-Marc Aveline from France.
The ongoing Conclave is characterized by its complexity, primarily due to the unprecedented number of cardinals participating. With 133 eligible voters, this Conclave has the largest representation in history, leading to potential delays in decision-making. The last Conclave in March 2013 lasted two days, resulting in the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis after five ballots.
On the morning of May 8, the cardinals reconvened in the Sistine Chapel at 16:30 for two additional ballots. If a consensus is not reached, a fifth ballot is scheduled for later in the evening. The first visible smoke for May 8 was expected around noon but was delayed, raising questions about the cardinals' ability to reach an agreement. The black smoke seen earlier in the day indicated that the necessary two-thirds majority was not achieved.
According to Vatican News, approximately 11,000 people were present in St. Peter's Square on May 8, eagerly awaiting news from the Conclave. The crowd is a mix of pilgrims, tourists, and media representatives, all hoping to witness the historic moment when white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
The cardinals' lunch, shrouded in secrecy, reportedly included a dish known as "Pasta del Conclave," though the authenticity of this meal remains uncertain, as noted by historian Mila Fumini. The preparation of meals for the cardinals is kept under wraps to maintain the confidentiality surrounding the Conclave.
As the voting continues, many observers are aware of the high expectations for the new pope. Dr. Nino Galetti from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung emphasized that the new pontiff must possess strong theological knowledge, the ability to communicate effectively with the global Catholic community of 1.4 billion believers, and the skills necessary for administrative leadership. Furthermore, he should ideally speak multiple languages to connect with the diverse congregation.
The Conclave's proceedings are also marked by the absence of modern communication devices, as all mobile phones and media are banned from the Vatican during this period. The cardinals are isolated from the outside world, with built-in jammers and deactivated telephone networks ensuring that the election remains a closely guarded secret.
As the clock ticks on, the anticipation builds. Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, expressed hope that he would see white smoke by the evening of May 8, underscoring the urgency for the Church to strengthen faith in a rapidly changing world.
In the lead-up to the Conclave, various political figures, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have expressed their hopes for the new pope. Merkel stated that it would be wonderful if the new pontiff could continue the human-centered approach established by Pope Francis, who was known for his political engagement and deep compassion for people.
As the world awaits the outcome of this historic election, the atmosphere in Vatican City is one of both hope and uncertainty. The next few hours will be crucial as the cardinals cast their votes, and the eyes of millions remain fixed on the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel. Will they find a leader capable of bridging the divides within the Church and guiding the faithful into a new era? The answer may soon be revealed.