As the sun set on May 7, 2025, a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church commenced with 133 cardinals sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel, preparing to cast their votes for a new pope. Outside, a sea of hopeful spectators filled St. Peter’s Square, anxiously anticipating the results of this momentous election that could alter the future direction of the Church.
Around 9 p.m. local time, the gathered crowd received their first signal through the sight of black smoke rising from a chimney, a traditional indicator that the cardinals were unable to reach a decision on the next pope. The black smoke, created when the votes are burned in a cast-iron stove, means the cardinals would need to regroup and attempt to select a leader in subsequent rounds.
Father Peter Mangum, a priest from Louisiana, spoke about the experience of waiting in the square alongside fellow clergy members. “We are cold, we’re hungry, we’re thirsty but yet we can’t move,” he shared, reflecting the collective spirit of anticipation and devotion amongst those present. This was not Father Mangum's first time waiting for papal news, underscoring the deeply ingrained tradition and significance of the event.
Cardinals cast their votes with secrecy, penning names onto ballots while ensuring their handwriting remained unrecognizable. With Pope Francis' papacy lasting over a decade, the eyes of the Catholic world are keenly focused on who will ultimately succeed him and navigate the Church's future.
