At 6:08 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) on Thursday, May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The conclave, which began on May 7, 2025, brought together 133 cardinal electors from around the world to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
After four ballots over two days, the required two-thirds majority was achieved on the fourth vote, resulting in the election of the 267th pope.
Following the election, the new pope was escorted to the "Room of Tears" to don the papal vestments. He then accepted his canonical election and chose his papal name.
The official announcement, known as "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"), is expected to be delivered shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
The identity of the newly elected pope has not yet been disclosed, but he is anticipated to appear soon to deliver his first apostolic blessing, "Urbi et Orbi," to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and to Catholics worldwide.
The 2025 conclave adhered to traditional protocols, including strict secrecy measures and the use of signal jammers to prevent external communication.
The cardinals were sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae and followed a rigorous voting schedule, with up to four ballots per day.
As the world awaits the first appearance of the new pontiff, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica continue to ring in celebration of this significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church