Filipinos at Vatican patiently await conclave results, to stay until new pope is elected. Screenshot from a video by Mye Mulingtapang

VATICAN — As the Sistine Chapel remains sealed and silent, a group of Filipinos huddled in prayer near the edge of St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chimney that will soon signal the Church’s future.

Wrapped in jackets and draped with Philippine flags, they have one mission: to wait patiently, prayerfully, and with deep hope.

Among them is Aida David, a teacher from Rome who braved the long hours of waiting. 

“This is very important for our faith and for the whole world because having a pope again gives us strength—to maintain peace globally, because we have someone to lead us,” David shared.

For David and many other Filipinos, the presence of a spiritual leader is not just a religious necessity. It is a symbol of unity, guidance, and moral strength.

According to the Vatican, around 45,000 people had gathered in St. Peter's Square to await the announcement, which had been expected some time after 7 p.m. In the end, they had to wait for 2 hours.

At 9 p.m. Wednesday, Rome time, a plume of black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals had not yet reached a decision. 

Black smoke: Cardinals fail to elect new pope on first try

Still, the faithful did not budge. Instead, they offered a fresh wave of prayers into the chilly night.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Father Victor Gonzaga from the Order of Saint Augustine echoed the sentiments of the crowd. 

"This is important precisely because everyone is waiting for the new pope. I ask everyone to please pray for the success of the conclave."

As the world awaits the rise of white smoke, Filipinos vow to stay until the new pope is revealed. "We want to see who will be the next pope," David said. “We will wait.”

While few expected a decision on the conclave’s first day, many Vatican observers noted that the outcome took nearly two hours longer than anticipated, adding to the suspense and anticipation in St. Peter’s Square. 

One of them was Italian Andrea Minuti, who also expressed urgency and hope. “We hope that this white smoke comes early, just for the church needs guidance from a new pope.”

Next pope faces 'difficult, complex' point in history, cardinals told

Overseas Filipino workers remain a visible presence as the papal conclave continues behind closed doors. Their presence has become a familiar sight during major events in the Catholic Church, and this conclave is no exception.

“Importante sa amin kahit maghintay ng matagal para malaman kung sino ang susunod na pope,” said Lucia Biesca, a household service worker in Rome and a devout Catholic.

(It’s important for us, even if it means waiting a long time, just to know who the next pope will be.)

For many, like Biesca, being physically present during this historic transition is more than an opportunity. It’s a deep spiritual moment. Every plume of smoke that rises from the chapel’s chimney draws gasps and hopeful glances. Each hour that passes only adds to the anticipation.

“Excited kami, at least first-hand nating matunghayan 'yung paglabas ng bagong papa,” said Arlene Equino, who, despite work obligations, made sure to come to the Vatican. 

(We’re excited—at least we get to witness the new pope emerge first-hand.)

For Equino, however, it’s not just about witnessing history — it’s about who the next leader will be.

“Kailangan 'yung pope na malapit sa atin,” she added.

(We need a pope who’s close to the people.)