White smoke, a new pope, a Filipino?

This piece was written yesterday, Wednesday, the 7thday of May, 2025 - a very important date not only for the Catholic Church but for the whole world.

- Cherry Piquero-Ballescas

Will the Conclave already have decided on the next Pope yesterday?

Was the white smoke that announced the election of a new pope seen in the Vatican yesterday, May 7th?

Or will it be black smoke instead, signifying that a new Pope has not yet been selected, that thenecessary two-thirds majority or 89 votes has not been reached?

Will the Cardinals return to vote today, May 8?

Prayers continue to be raised, especially for the Holy Spirit, to guide the Cardinal electors to discern God’s will/choice for the next Pope, the next Bishop of Rome, the next leader of the Catholic Church.

“Come dear Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.”