The Director of Public Communications for the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, confirmed on Thursday that the 133 Cardinal-electors will return to the Sistine Chapel to continue voting for a new Pope after Wednesday’s initial ballot ended inconclusively.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Fr. Godono described the ongoing conclave as a sacred and orderly process, guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The cardinals are reconvening today, May 8, to resume voting. Traditionally, if a pope is not elected after the first round, additional ballots are held. There will be two voting sessions this morning and two more in the evening if no pope emerges earlier,” he said.
Fr. Godono noted that the first round of voting on Wednesday concluded with black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney—signifying no decision had been reached.
“One hundred and thirty-three red-robed cardinal-electors from across the globe entered the Sistine Chapel to solemn chants and organ music before the doors were ceremonially sealed behind them,” he added.
He explained that the conclave, a centuries-old tradition of the Catholic Church, continues until a pope is chosen. The election of a new pontiff will be signaled by white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Apostolic Palace. The newly elected pope will then appear on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful.
Fr. Godono highlighted the weight of the decision before the cardinals: whether to choose a successor who will continue the legacy of Pope Francis—a reform-minded leader known for his advocacy on behalf of migrants and environmental issues—or select a pontiff inclined toward a more traditionalist approach.
The meticulous conclave has captured global attention since the passing of Pope Francis, keeping the world in suspense as the Church prepares for its next leader.
