On Thursday, May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, signaling the successful election of the 267th pope. The announcement came after several rounds of voting by 133 cardinal electors gathered in the historic conclave, marking the end of a secretive and centuries-old process to choose the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
The appearance of white smoke was immediately followed by the ringing of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica and cheers from the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, confirming that a new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics had been chosen. The cardinals had taken solemn oaths of secrecy before casting their ballots under Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment fresco, with the voting continuing over two days amid anticipation and prayer.
While the identity of the new pope has not been officially disclosed at this time, the conclave was noted for its historic size and geographic diversity, with cardinals from 70 countries participating. The new pontiff faces significant challenges, including decisions on whether to continue Pope Francis’s progressive agenda or steer the Church in a new direction.
This conclave was one of the most open and contested in recent history, with several frontrunners including Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdő among the favorites. Ultimately, the cardinals reached a consensus, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, culminating in the historic white smoke signal that has captivated Catholics worldwide.
