Conclave is on his 2nd day and 133 cardinals have not yet been able to choose Francisco’s successor
The 133 cardinals did not elect a new pope in the 3rd general vote of the conclave this Thursday (8.MAI.2025). At 6:51 am (Brasília time), the chimney on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel released a black smoke, indicating that the new pontiff was not chosen and the claim continues.
For the new leader of the Church to be elected, it is necessary to the votes of the 133 Cardinals – Equivalent to 89 votes. If the election reaches the necessary number, the chosen cardinal says whether or not to assume the papacy. If you accept, white smoke comes out of the chimney, announcing the choice of the new Pope.
Also on this Thursday (8.MAI), the cardinals will make two other votes in the conclave. Until May 22, the election to choose the new Pope will be made 4 times a day, with 2 elections in the morning and another 2 in the afternoon.
The scheduled times for smoke to be released on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are (Brasilia time):
- 4th vote – 12:30 pm (only if the Pope is elected);
- 5th vote – 14h.
Black smoke will be released only after odd votes, while white can arise in any of the claims if the pontiff is chosen.
If there is no new pope elected until Sunday (11.MAI), the election will be suspended for prayer and discussions.
After May 11, if necessary, there is up to 10 days of voting, again 4 times a day. There may be pauses and speeches of cardinals every 7 sessions. However, after May 21st and 33rd or 34th vote (the Vatican does not clarify the criterion), only the 2 most voted cardinals dispute a kind of 2nd round. The need for 2/3 of the votes to be chosen is maintained.
There is no determined time for the conclave. It can last several days or even weeks. For the definition of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, as Holy Father, the voters took 2 days. The longest election lasted 2 years and 10 months.
