The Conclave: Black smoke rises again as ballot remains inconclusive

A plume of black smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel's chimney at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, May 25. This indicated that the second vote of the day failed to elect a new pope. It was also the third overall vote in this conclave. The cardinals remain divided as their deliberations continue behind closed doors.

As the 120 cardinal-electors took a lunch break, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. They watched the chimney, hoping for a white plume. A white plume signals a successful papal election. Voting is expected to resume around 4:00 p.m. local time.

The Vatican uses colored smoke to announce voting results during a conclave. Black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signifies success. This tradition is centuries old and helps communicate progress without breaking secrecy rules.

The practice dates back to at least the 16th century and became standardized in the 20th century. The smoke comes from burning ballots used in each vote. Black smoke (fumata nera) is created by adding chemicals like potassium nitrate for inconclusive votes.

White smoke (fumata bianca) results from burning ballots with damp straw or specific chemicals, indicating a new pope has been elected.