White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon, signalling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope, the successor to Pope Francis, following two days of intense deliberation.
Thousands of pilgrims and visitors in St Peter’s Square erupted in applause and cheers as the white plume billowed against the Roman sky at 5:56 p.m. local time, confirming that one of the 133 cardinal electors had secured the required two thirds majority.
Although the identity of the new pontiff has not yet been revealed, the appearance of white smoke indicates that the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful will soon have a new spiritual leader. The announcement of Habemus Papam (We have a pope) and the pope’s first appearance is expected imminently from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
The conclave began on Wednesday after a solemn Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice (Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff) was celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica. Later that afternoon, the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy, bound by centuries old traditions and modern security protocols. Earlier Thursday, black smoke had signalled inconclusive results from two morning ballots. But by the afternoon, consensus had been reached in what experts describe as a relatively swift conclave compared to historical precedents.
Among the speculated frontrunners prior to the vote were Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, and Sri Lankan Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. However, the conclave is known for its surprises, and Vatican watchers caution that the next pope could just as well emerge from outside this list.
Security surrounding the conclave has been tight, with all cardinals sequestered and barred from any communication with the outside world. All voting papers were burned after each ballot, with chemicals added to produce the black or white smoke that has traditionally conveyed the result to the public.
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The election of a new pope marks the end of the sede vacante (vacant see) period following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. Francis, known for his emphasis on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship, leaves a complex legacy after 12 years on the papal throne.
For many Catholics gathered in the square, the sight of white smoke was a moment of both relief and joy. “It’s historic to be here and witness this,” said Paolo Cabrera, a pilgrim from the Philippines. “We pray the new pope will guide the Church wisely in these challenging times.”
The Vatican’s senior cardinal deacon, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, is expected to appear shortly to formally introduce the new pope with the traditional Latin formula Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope”).
All eyes now turn to the central loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff will step out to impart his first apostolic blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world).
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