On Thursday, May 8, 2025, a group of nuns gathered in anticipation outside the Sistine Chapel, only to be left confused by the sight of white smoke billowing from the chimney. The event, which was streamed live by the Vatican, was meant to signify the election of a new pope. However, the reality was far from it, as the conclave had entered its second day of voting without a consensus.
The smoke had initially appeared black, indicating that no pope had been chosen, but moments later, it took on a whitish hue around 6:50 AM Brasilia time. This prompted the nuns, along with many others, to check their phones for confirmation, while the Vatican's official social media account mistakenly declared that white smoke signified the election of a new pontiff. The post was quickly deleted once the error was realized.
During the morning session of votes, two rounds were conducted, but the black smoke that emerged confirmed that none of the 133 cardinals had received the necessary two-thirds majority of 89 votes. The Vatican's social media blunder sparked a flurry of confusion online, as many viewers commented on the unexpected color change of the smoke.
As the day progressed, the cardinals were scheduled to cast their votes again, with additional smoke signals expected at 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM Brasilia time. White smoke would indicate a new pope had been chosen, while black smoke would signal that the search continues.
This conclave marks a significant moment in history, as it is the first time that 133 cardinals from 71 nations are participating. The diversity among the cardinals is notable, with representatives from 15 new countries involved in the process. This record number of voters could potentially complicate the path to achieving the required two-thirds majority.
Historically, the process of electing a pope has been fraught with tension and uncertainty. The last two conclaves saw the election of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI occur on the second day, creating a precedent for what many hope will be a swift resolution this time around. However, experts caution that the increased number of voters may lead to a more prolonged deliberation.
In the past, the use of smoke to signify a new pope has led to confusion. A notable instance occurred in 1958 when white smoke was seen, only to turn black shortly after, leaving the crowd bewildered. Such historical echoes loom over the current conclave, reminding participants and observers alike of the unpredictability inherent in this sacred process.
As the day unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for clarity in the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church. The anticipation surrounding the conclave is palpable, with many believers praying for a swift resolution to the uncertainty that currently envelops the Vatican.
With the next rounds of voting set to take place, the cardinals have been given a moment of reflection before they reconvene. The process is steeped in tradition, with each cardinal taking an oath of secrecy before casting their votes in the Sistine Chapel, a setting rich in history and significance.
The conclave will continue until a new pope is elected, a process that is expected to conclude when two-thirds of the cardinals agree on a single candidate. If no agreement is reached by the 21st round of voting, the cardinals will be limited to choosing between the two candidates who received the most votes in the previous round.
As the clock ticks towards the next potential announcement, the atmosphere remains charged with hope and speculation. The faithful around the world are eager for news, and the iconic chimneys of the Sistine Chapel will serve as the ultimate indicator of the Church's next chapter.
In the meantime, the Vatican is working to ensure that communication about the conclave remains clear and accurate. The confusion caused by the erroneous social media post serves as a reminder of the importance of precise messaging during such a critical time.
The next smoke signal will be closely scrutinized, with onlookers hoping for white smoke to signify a new beginning for the Catholic Church. Until then, the cardinals will continue their deliberations, navigating the complexities of faith, tradition, and the future of the papacy.
