As the Papal Conclave rolls into its second day in the Vatican, Qatar’s Roman Catholic church holds its breath for the announcement of the new Pope.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88, cardinals from across the globe have entered conclave at the Vatican to elect the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.

A record 135 cardinal electors were eligible to vote, though two are absent due to health reasons. The gathering, held behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel, will continue daily ballots until a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes.

Pope Francis, the Church’s first Latin American leader, was widely admired for his focus on peace and social justice. His final speech—calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza—was seen by many as a defining moment of moral leadership.

Thousands of kilometres away in Doha, the Catholic community at Our Lady of the Rosary Church is closely following developments.

“This is a time of transition,” said Assistant Parish Priest Father Albert Joseph. “We’re praying the cardinals will be guided by wisdom and courage to descend the Holy Will.”

Father Albert said the Church needs a leader who can “read the signs of the times” and offer moral clarity in an increasingly divided world. “We expect the successor to share Pope Francis’s compassion and commitment to peace.”

While no official candidates are declared, key figures in the running include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines; Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea; and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France.

The outcome of the conclave is expected to shape the Church’s direction at a time of growing global unrest, rising inequality, and deepening calls for reform.

Consecrated in 2008, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is Qatar’s first Catholic church and now serves around 200,000 worshippers from across the globe—including the Philippines, India, Africa, South America, Lebanon, and Europe.

As the Vatican conclave continues, Father Albert Joseph says many Catholics in Qatar are quietly hoping to see a pope who reflects their own heritage.

“Some hope for an Asian pope, others an African. People want someone who understands their mentality,” he told Doha News. “But we remind our parish: this is not about human will, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit.”

The conclave began on Wednesday with a special Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice—for the election of the pope. The 133 eligible cardinals have since been sequestered in Domus Sanctae Marthae, under strict secrecy, with no contact with the outside world.

Each day ends with a visual signal to the public: black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means no decision has been reached; white smoke signals the election of a new Pontiff.

“We are all waiting for the white smoke,” Father Albert said. “When the announcement is made, we’ll share it in our parish and add the new pope’s name to our prayers.”

Once chosen, the pope will appear on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the cardinal protodeacon will declare Habemus Papam—“We have a pope”—followed by his name and first blessing.

Until then, Doha’s Catholic community continues to pray and wait.

“We hope for a pope who can lead us through modern times,” said Father Albert, “without losing our tradition.”