LIVE COVERAGE: Conclave 2025

The largest and most geographically diverse conclave in history was due to resume on Thursday, May 8, with Roman Catholic cardinals returning to the Sistine Chapel to try to settle a wide-open papal election.

The red-hatted “princes of the Church” started the heavily ritualized process of choosing a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on Wednesday, May 7. In the evening, black smoke billowed from a specially-installed chimney visible from Saint Peter’s Square to signal an inconclusive ballot.

No pope in modern times has been elected on the first attempt, so that outcome was widely expected. But given recent history, a final result is possible from the second day, when up to four rounds of voting can take place.

What happens before, during, and after a conclave? How significant is the role of a cardinal? Why do rituals such as the conclave matter for the Roman Catholic Church?

Rappler religion reporter Paterno Esmaquel II sits down with Father Aris Sison, the spokesperson of the Diocese of Cubao and a veteran commentator on ecclesiastical affairs, for a comprehensive briefer on the upcoming conclave.

The chimney of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel emits black smoke at 9 pm on Wednesday, May 7 (3 am on Thursday, May 8, Manila time), a signal that the College of Cardinals has not chosen the next pope.

Black smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7 (Rome time), signaling that the 133 Catholic cardinals meeting in a secret conclave failed to elect a new pope on their first ballot.

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Father Aris Sison, spokesperson of the Diocese of Cubao, explains the importance of symbolism in Catholic rituals such as the conclave.

The doors of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican were closed on Wednesday, May 7, signaling the start of a secret conclave where 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope.

Latin chants and organ music had accompanied the cardinals as they processed into the frescoed chapel, with Michelangelo’s depiction of Christ delivering the Last Judgment dominating the 500-year-old room.

Laying their own hands on the Gospels, they took a vow of secrecy not to divulge anything about the conclave.

The master of ceremonies then shouted out the command “Extra Omnes” (Latin for “Everyone Out”) telling those not involved in the gathering to leave the room, with the chapel’s heavy wooden doors slamming shut on the outside world.

Father Aris Sison, spokesperson of the Diocese of Cubao, explains the use of white smoke and black smoke during conclaves.