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Vatican City witnessed a historic moment on May 8, 2025, as white smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world that the Roman Catholic Church has chosen its new spiritual leader.
This traditional signal confirmed the successful election of the Church's 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis earlier this year.
For days, the College of Cardinals convened in secrecy, as part of the time-honored papal conclave process, to deliberate on who would take up the mantle of leadership over the Church's 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
The conclave brought together 133 cardinals, each tasked with discerning and voting for a candidate deemed spiritually fit to guide the Church through the next chapter of its journey.
Behind the scenes of the conclave
To be elected pope, a cardinal must receive at least two-thirds of the votes-equivalent to 89 in this conclave. Early voting rounds produced black smoke, indicating that a decision had not yet been reached.
However, on the afternoon of May 8, plumes of white smoke signaled that a consensus had finally emerged. The news was met with loud cheers and emotional celebrations from the crowds packed into St. Peter's Square, many of whom had waited for hours in anticipation.
Following the decision, the pope-elect was led into the "Room of Tears," a small chamber where he first dons the white papal cassock. He is then asked two vital questions: whether he accepts the role, and what name he will take as pope. After accepting, official documentation is signed, confirming his authority over the global Church.
Soon afterward, the newly elected pope is expected to appear on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. There, a senior cardinal will make the formal declaration: "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"), followed by the pope's first blessing-"Urbi et Orbi," meaning "To the city and to the world."
The ceremonial inauguration Mass is typically held a few days later, solidifying the beginning of the new papacy.
As the world awaits the public unveiling of the new pontiff's identity, discussions have already begun regarding the future direction of the Church. Many observers are curious whether the new pope will continue the legacy of Pope Francis or take a markedly different path in doctrine and policy.
Regardless of the direction, the election represents a powerful moment of unity and transition within the Catholic Church, capturing global attention and reaffirming the timeless rituals that shape one of the world's oldest institutions.