No pope yet: Black smoke rises as cardinals break for lunch: 2 more voting rounds on Day 2 — new pope or more suspense?

No pope after three votes - lunchtime summary

• No pope yet: Black smoke rises as Cardinals break for lunch.

The suspense continues at the Vatican as black smoke puffed out of the Sistine Chapel chimney just before lunch, signalling that the 133 cardinal electors haven’t reached a decision — yet — on who will be the next pope.

• After three rounds of voting, the cardinals have now stepped out for a well-earned lunch break. The next two voting rounds are slated to begin at 4:30pm local time (GMT +2).

• While history hints at a second-day decision — three of the last five popes were elected on Day 2 — this conclave features a record number of electors, which is making consensus a bit trickier than usual.

• So for now, it’s pasta, prayer, and pondering. Stay tuned for more smoke signals. Will the next puff be white?

Earlier report:

The world watches as Day 2 of the papal conclave gets underway on Thursday inside the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

The first round of voting on Day 1 (Wednesday, May 7) did not produce a winner — black smoke rose from the chapel.

On Thursday (May 8), there will be four rounds of voting — two in the morning, two in the evening.

What insiders say: This will greatly increase the chance of a new pontiff emerging.

There are 133 cardinal electors from around the globe locked in a centuries-old ritual to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

What’s happening today – May 8, 2025:

• Four voting rounds are possible — two in the morning, two in the evening — increasing the chance that the cardinals might rally behind a leading candidate.
  

• The process begins with Mass at 8 am (GMT +2), followed by voting in the Sistine Chapel starting around 9:15 am.
  

Smoke timings

Two chimney signals are expected today:

• One around noon after the morning votes (2pm UAE, 6pm in HK |SG | MNL)

• Another around 7 pm, after evening votes (9pm in UAE, 11 pm in HK |SG | MNL)

Black and white smoke

If white smoke rises from the chimney (fumata bianca) and St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells ring, it means a new pope has been chosen. 

If black smoke appears (fumata nera), voting continues.

Recap of Day 1 – May 7:

• The first round of voting did not produce a winner — black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel.

• All 133 cardinal electors took the solemn oath of secrecy.

• The doors of the chapel were sealed just before midnight Rome time, officially beginning the conclave.

• Over 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, braving long queues in hopes of witnessing a historic moment.

To be elected pope, a cardinal must receive two-thirds of the votes — that’s at least 89 votes.

Today could bring a decision — or more suspense.

Either way, eyes remain fixed on the Vatican skyline and that iconic chimney.

US Bishop Robert Barron on Day 2 of the conclave:

"I’ve been here talking to lots of TV networks and reporters about the usual things — who the candidates are, how the voting might go. What I’ve been hearing from people around Rome is a hunger for a quiet papacy."

"I think what they mean is that, after the years of Pope Francis — which were somewhat tumultuous, with some ambiguity and confusion about the direction of the Church — there's a desire for someone who will be a steady hand on the tiller."

As the cardinals gather on Day 2, what kind of pope will they choose?

"We'll see what happens next. We’ll find out soon," says Barron.