A significant moment unfolded on Thursday evening as white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signifying the successful election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals. This ancient signal, steeped in tradition, confirmed that the Catholic Church has chosen its 267th spiritual leader to guide the world’s 1.4 billion faithful.
Thousands of people who had gathered at St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and applause at the sight of the white smoke, which was quickly followed by the ringing of bells—another traditional indication that a new pontiff has been chosen.
Attention now shifts to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected pope will soon make his first appearance. There, he will be formally introduced in Latin, revealing the name he has chosen for his papacy. He will then deliver his first address to the public and bestow the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and to the World) blessing.
This development follows the passing of Pope Francis, the Argentine-born reformist who led the Catholic Church for 12 years before his death last month. Francis was known for championing causes such as environmental protection and migrant rights, though his approach often stirred debate within the Church, especially among traditionalists who preferred a more doctrinal and less progressive stance.
The new pope now inherits a challenging role at a time marked by international conflict and internal Church difficulties. His leadership will be crucial in confronting ongoing issues such as the clergy sexual abuse crisis, financial instability in the Vatican, and efforts to maintain unity within the global Church.
The papal conclave, which convened on Wednesday afternoon, involved 133 cardinals from across five continents—the most diverse and largest gathering of cardinal electors in the Church’s history. Bound by strict secrecy under the penalty of excommunication, the cardinals conducted their votes in the Sistine Chapel. Their only public communication came through the color of the smoke: black indicating an inconclusive vote, and white confirming a successful election.
Earlier rounds of voting on Wednesday evening and Thursday midday had resulted in black smoke, disappointing the massive crowd awaiting news. However, shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Thursday (1600 GMT), the white smoke finally appeared, triggering jubilation among those present.
Following tradition, the newly elected pope will now enter the “Room of Tears,” a private space within the Vatican where he can reflect on the enormity of his new role and put on the papal vestments for the first time. He will then return to the Sistine Chapel to receive pledges of loyalty from the cardinals who elected him.
Accompanied by a senior cardinal, the new pope will eventually step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, the world will hear the iconic announcement, “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope), signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the Church’s long history.
This election arrives during a period of heightened global tension and internal debate within Catholicism. Among the key considerations for the cardinals were whether to choose a leader who embodies pastoral care or diplomatic skill, a reformist or a traditionalist, someone deeply rooted in the Roman Curia or a relative outsider from regions where Catholicism is growing rapidly.
Despite Pope Francis having appointed around 80% of the current cardinal electors, it was not guaranteed that his successor would follow in his ideological footsteps. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, had earlier urged his colleagues to select a leader capable of preserving the unity of the Church and guiding it through the complex crossroads it faces—ranging from wars and global crises to the rise of populist politics and a secularizing world.
The new pope is expected to be formally inaugurated within a week, during a grand Mass attended by global political and religious leaders. As part of the inauguration festivities, he will likely tour St. Peter’s Square in the iconic popemobile and deliver his first homily, laying out his priorities and vision for the Church
