BUTUAN CITY –Black smoke once again rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at around 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 (PST), signaling that the second and third ballots in the papal conclave had failed to produce a new pope.
The 133 cardinal-electors, sequestered in the Vatican for the sacred and secretive process, were unable to reach the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, needed to elect the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The second round, held at 4:30 p.m., passed without any smoke emerging. The third vote concluded shortly before 6 p.m., resulting in the now-familiar black plume that indicates no decision has been made.
The voting process began formally on Thursday, with up to four rounds scheduled daily — two in the morning and two in the afternoon — taking place at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 1 a.m. (PST).
After each unsuccessful ballot, black smoke is emitted from the chapel’s chimney, while white smoke signifies the election of a new pope. If no decision is reached by the end of the third day, voting will pause for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming.
Historically, conclaves have lasted two to three days, with Pope Francis elected in 2013 after five ballots and his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, after four.
Among the Filipino cardinals participating this year are Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula, and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.
