No Pope yet after third ballot in conclave; global anticipation builds in St. Peter’s Square
Author: Joe D. | Published: May 8, 2025
Vatican City – Under worldwide observation on Thursday, the serious ceremonies of papal succession went on as black smoke once again poured from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the College of Cardinals has not yet found agreement on who would govern the 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
After the morning’s two ballots—marking the third round of voting overall—concluded without a two-thirds majority, the signal arrived at 11:50 a.m. local time. The ambiguous result sends a clear message: the 133 cardinal electors remain split, with no obvious leader appearing on the second day of discussions.
Black smoke emerged from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 21:00 on Wednesday evening, signalling that a first ballot has been held at the conclave and has concluded without the election of a Pope.https://t.co/hlmAJdskTO pic.twitter.com/AKxuUbDK2g
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 7, 2025
A Worldwide Waiting Moment
About 15,000 faithful and visitors congregated in St. Peter’s Square, staring at the historic chimney that has, for centuries, announced the result of the clandestine conclave. Many brought rosaries and umbrellas; some came out of historical pull or curiosity.
Among the throng were Sarah and Cameron, a freshly married couple from Indiana enjoying their honeymoon in Rome. Sarah remarked, “We were hoping to attend a Mass with Pope Francis, but being here now feels like witnessing history unfold.”
A Silent-Based Tradition
Steeped in medieval secrecy, the conclave procedure forbids any kind of contact with the outside world. All under the age of 80, cardinals vote up to four times a day in Vatican secret sanctums until consensus is obtained.
The Vatican uses contemporary technologies—electronic jammers, signal blocks, and anti-surveillance sweeps—to guarantee no leaks originate from inside the Sistine Chapel, thereby preserving silence.
Reflecting the worldwide presence of the contemporary Church, 133 cardinal electors from more than 70 countries are taking part this time. Astonishingly, over 80% were named by the late Pope Francis, maybe influencing the ideological path of the following pontificate.
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Candidates in the Spotlight
After several ballots, there is no obvious successor, hence focus has shifted to the most hypothesized possibilities including:
Often called “Francis 2” for his progressive leanings, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67) of the Philippines.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem, 60, who garnered worldwide respect for volunteering himself in a hostage exchange during the 2023 Hamas-Israel war.
A conservative voice with great support among traditionalists, Cardinal Peter Erdo (72) of Hungary.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, 69, who shares Pope Francis’s pastoral concerns.
Among the spectators distant from Rome is Maria Tadini, 89, mother of Cardinal Pizzaballa, who carefully monitored live broadcast from her modest northern Italian home. “He did well in Jerusalem,” she continued, “but if Rome calls, he will serve.”
A Church at a Crossroad
Beginning with a morning Mass in the Pauline Chapel, Thursday’s session was followed by a prayer in the Sistine Chapel before voting started up again. With the day perhaps ending by 7:30 p.m., the next voting session is anticipated at 4:00 p.m. local time.
Dean of the College of Cardinals and not able to vote, 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said, “There is a deep need for awakening—technological advancement has not brought people closer to God.” The new pope has to fan that faith back to life.
The world waits for a spiritual leader who can connect a divided global civilization with moral clarity and inclusive leadership while speculation grows and white smoke stays elusive.
“Remarkable popes have graced the Church. I hope the next can combine their skills to lead in today’s challenging environment,” said Fr. Prashant Padu, a student priest from Bombay.
Last Word
Rome is still being watched by the globe with bated breath. Whether the next pope will reflect Francis’ progressive viewpoint or swing toward conservatism is unknown; however, the whole Catholic community prays for wisdom, strength, and unity.
