White Smoke Over Vatican: New Pope Elected, Awaits Formal Introduction

On the first full day of voting, 133 cardinals have chosen the next spiritual leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis.

Vatican City, May 8:
A new chapter begins for the Roman Catholic Church as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday evening, confirming the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals. The identity of the pontiff and the papal name he has selected will be revealed shortly from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by his first blessing and address.

This decision came swiftly, on the first full day of voting, after the cardinals entered conclave on Wednesday. The 133 cardinal electors, bound by tradition and secrecy, held multiple rounds of voting, culminating in a successful outcome Thursday evening at 6:08 p.m. Vatican time.

Also Read: No Pope Yet: Black Smoke Rises from Sistine Chapel as First Conclave Vote Yields No Decision

The joyous crowd at St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the historic signal — white smoke — confirmed the Church now has its next leader.

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, led the Church for 12 years, championing reform, dialogue, and inclusion, especially on issues like LGBTQ+ participation and women’s roles in the Church.

Among the frontrunners speculated were Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and other high-profile Church leaders including Cardinals Jean-Marc Aveline (France) and Robert Prevost (USA). The final decision, however, remains confidential until officially declared.

Also Read: How a Pope Is Elected: Inside the Vatican’s Conclave Process Following Pope Francis’ Death

The conclave, steeped in ritual, kept cardinals isolated from the outside world, with all forms of communication cut off. The only messages to the world were via smoke signals — black for inconclusive votes, white for consensus.

Also Read: “End of an Era: Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Begins Quest for His Successor”— Blending reverence with the gravity of the moment.

The Vatican has now entered a period of ceremonial transition, as millions await the Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) blessing from the new pontiff — a symbolic moment of global unity for the Church.

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Pope election, Vatican conclave, Sistine Chapel white smoke, new Pope 2025, Pope Francis successor, Catholic Church news, Vatican 2025, Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Tagle, papal conclave tradition