By Alisha Shah 
VATICAN CITY — On the second day of the Pope Election, 133 Catholic cardinals reconvened in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, embarking on another round of secret ballots to choose the next pontiff. After Wednesday’s lone vote ended in black smoke—signaling no consensus—the conclave returns today for a vital continuation of the Pope Election tradition.
By Vatican custom, the initial vote failed to yield the required two-thirds majority, and on Thursday the cardinals will conduct four voting sessions—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—as part of this year’s Pope Election rounds. This structured schedule keeps the process focused, ensuring that deliberations remain disciplined until a new Pope is chosen.
St. Peter’s Square greeted the faithful with bright sunshine as pilgrims and onlookers gathered to witness another day of the Pope Election voting. Groups of visitors from around the world—clergy and laity alike—clustered under the shade of colonnades, sharing conversation and prayerful anticipation as they awaited the famed chimney smoke.
Pilgrim Ceci Triska, visiting from Texas, described the atmosphere on Wednesday as “quiet anticipation,” underscoring the spiritual weight behind every ballot in this Pope Election. “We’ve been praying for the Holy Spirit to take over. Whatever God’s will, it’s going to be great,” she said, reflecting the hopeful mindset that permeates the Vatican during a papal selection.
Historically, black smoke signals that no Pope has been elected, while white smoke marks the successful conclusion of the Pope Election. After each ballot, cardinals process to the chapel’s rooftop chimney, where Vatican officials burn tally sheets mixed with chemicals to produce the telltale plume.
Rome native Patrizia Silveri voiced her desire for an Italian pontiff, noting, “The Pope is like family for Roman citizens. And so we consider him our business.” Her hopes highlight one of many factors under discussion as the global spotlight focuses on this Pope Election.
Young Catholic student Mireia Mejias, studying in Italy from Spain, said she prays the new pontiff will continue Pope Francis’ global outreach. “I hope that the next Pope is also a leader for non-Catholics. For me, Christ is universal and the church should be universal,” she remarked, emphasizing the inclusive vision at the heart of this pivotal Pope Election.