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A man prays in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican May 7, 2025, while waiting for smoke to rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as cardinals begin the conclave to elect a new pope. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

Do we really trust the Holy Spirit to guide the election of a pope? What does that trust feel like? Are we hopeful or fearful for what is to come? Why does it feel so hard to pray in Rome sometimes?

The cardinals have asked for our prayers repeatedly in the run-up to the conclave. While they are sequestered away on the second day of conclave, Sebastian Gomes, Ashley McKinless, Zac Davis and J.D. Long García talk about what their prayer has been like while covering the lead-up to the conclave.

Links from the show:

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It’s hard to describe the mood in Vatican City right now. There is great expectation and excitement but also a sense of unease.
Sebastian GomesMay 08, 2025
What time will we see black or white smoke? How can I watch the chimney for white or black smoke?
That is the question ghosts really should be made to answer: Why remain where you have been most miserable?
Terrance KleinMay 07, 2025
black smoke emerges from the sistine chapel on the first day of the conclave, the sky is a dark blue at 9 pm Rome time
As expected, the 133 cardinals who entered the Sistine Chapel May 7 failed to elect the next pope on their first ballot.