White Smoke Rises: New Pope Elected Following Vatican Conclave

VATICAN, AAD Today - White smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:08 PM local time (12:08 PM ET), signaling to the world that the Catholic Church has elected its 267th pontiff. The historic moment comes just weeks after Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The tolling bells of St. Peter's Basilica confirmed the successful election, as thousands of faithful Catholics who had gathered in St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers and celebration. The momentous event was broadcast live on Vatican News' YouTube channel, showing crowds braving the evening air in anticipation of meeting their new spiritual leader.

Who Will Lead 1.3 Billion Catholics?

While the identity of the cardinal elected to become the new Pope remains unknown at the time of reporting, tradition dictates that the newly elected pontiff will soon be presented to the public from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

"The white smoke is followed by an official announcement by the Cardinal Protodeacon from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the Latin phrase 'Habemus Papam'—which means 'We have a Pope,'" Vatican News reported.

Conclave Reaches Decision on Second Day

The papal conclave, a centuries-old secret election process, began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when 133 cardinal electors from around the world gathered in the Sistine Chapel. The first day of voting produced black smoke from the chapel chimney during two separate voting rounds, indicating no candidate had received the required two-thirds majority.

"This result was expected because there has never been a pope elected on the first ballot," the Vatican stated in an official communication.

The voting process continued on Thursday and successfully reached a consensus, following a pattern similar to the previous conclave that also concluded on its second day after four rounds of voting.

How the Papal Election Process Works

The conclave represents one of the Catholic Church's most secretive and sacred traditions. During the election process, the 133 cardinal electors are sequestered from the outside world with no access to phones, internet, or other modern communications.

Throughout the conclave, visual signals in the form of smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney serve as the primary indicator for the public awaiting results.

According to Vatican protocol, black smoke signifies no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates the cardinals have reached an agreement and successfully elected a new pope. Following centuries of tradition, the newly elected pope will also announce the new name he will use during his papacy.

What Happens Next?

In the coming hours, the new pontiff will be introduced to the world following the formal "Habemus Papam" announcement. The new pope will then address the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square in what will be his first public appearance as the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

The election marks a crucial moment for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics who have been without a spiritual leader since Pope Francis died last month after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.

This papal transition occurs at a time when the Catholic Church faces numerous challenges, including declining membership in Western countries, controversies over clerical abuse, and debates about the church's approach to modern social issues.