White Smoke Signals New Pope Elected at the Vatican
On Thursday, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the election of a new pope for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The announcement brought cheers and applause from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, as church bells rang to confirm the Church had chosen its 267th pontiff.
The identity of the new pope, who succeeds Pope Francis—the Argentine reformer who passed away last month after 12 years of leadership—will soon be revealed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He will be introduced in Latin, announce his papal name, and deliver his first address and blessing, known as the *Urbi et Orbi*.
The new pontiff faces significant challenges: from addressing global conflicts to confronting internal issues like the lingering clergy sexual abuse crisis and the Vatican’s financial woes.
This historic election involved 133 cardinals from five continents—the largest and most international conclave in history. Bound by strict secrecy under penalty of excommunication, their only form of communication with the outside world was the color of smoke emitted after each voting session. Black smoke on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon had left many disappointed, but the white smoke at 6 p.m. signaled a successful decision.
Following tradition, the elected pope enters the “Room of Tears” to privately process the moment and put on the papal cassock for the first time. He then returns to the chapel where fellow cardinals affirm their loyalty before he steps onto the balcony for the formal “Habemus Papam” announcement and his first public appearance as pope.
The conclave took place amid global instability, with Church unity and leadership in a complex era at the forefront of discussion. Pope Francis had emphasized compassion, environmental care, and migrant issues, but also sparked controversy among conservatives.
Despite 80 percent of the cardinal electors having been appointed by Francis, there was no certainty his successor would follow in his footsteps. The decision centered on whether the Church needed a pastoral leader, a diplomat, a reformer, or a doctrinal defender—particularly from regions where Catholicism is rapidly growing.
As the Church prepares for the new papacy, all eyes turn to the pope’s upcoming inauguration mass and his first homily, where he is expected to outline his vision and priorities for the Church in this pivotal era.