After two days of voting, white smoke signals the selection of the next leader for over 1.4 billion Catholics.
New Pope Expected as White Smoke Emerges from Sistine Chapel
New Pope Expected as White Smoke Emerges from Sistine Chapel
The world awaits the announcement of a new pontiff after cardinals conclude their deliberations in tense conclave discussions.
May 8, 2025, 12:39 p.m. ET – In a historic moment for Roman Catholics around the globe, a plume of white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel late Thursday afternoon, indicating the election of a new pope. The cardinals, having spent over 24 hours in conclave, reached the decision to select a leader who will guide the church in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing last month. The specific identity of the newly elected pontiff is expected to be revealed shortly, with a large crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square in eager anticipation.
This conclave represents a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, which is currently navigating through uncertain waters. The new pope will face pressing questions surrounding ongoing debates about church direction, particularly regarding inclusivity and modernization versus traditionalism. With 133 cardinals participating, a record number for any conclave, the process of consensus-building proved to be a challenge given the diverse opinions within the group.
As excitement builds in Vatican City, spectators in St. Peter's Square experience a carnival-like atmosphere, awaiting the new pope’s first blessing from the balcony. The last two conclaves took about two days to elect a pope, and many believe the ongoing discussions reflect the cardinals' keen awareness of the pressing temporal and spiritual needs of their faith community.
After the announcement, the newly appointed pope will partake in a series of ceremonial steps including a brief visit to the "Room of Tears," designated for new popes who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities. The traditional first blessing, known as "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and the world"), will likely be the introductory message offering insight into the new leader’s immediate priorities for the Church.
As the anticipation grows, the new leader will also hint at their direction for the Church, delineating whether they intend to uphold or adjust the path set forth by Francis’ memorable papacy. For many, the moment is not just significant on a religious level but culturally, as crowds gather from around the globe, forging connections amid their shared faith. Only time will tell how this new leadership will shape the future of Catholicism worldwide.
This conclave represents a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, which is currently navigating through uncertain waters. The new pope will face pressing questions surrounding ongoing debates about church direction, particularly regarding inclusivity and modernization versus traditionalism. With 133 cardinals participating, a record number for any conclave, the process of consensus-building proved to be a challenge given the diverse opinions within the group.
As excitement builds in Vatican City, spectators in St. Peter's Square experience a carnival-like atmosphere, awaiting the new pope’s first blessing from the balcony. The last two conclaves took about two days to elect a pope, and many believe the ongoing discussions reflect the cardinals' keen awareness of the pressing temporal and spiritual needs of their faith community.
After the announcement, the newly appointed pope will partake in a series of ceremonial steps including a brief visit to the "Room of Tears," designated for new popes who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities. The traditional first blessing, known as "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and the world"), will likely be the introductory message offering insight into the new leader’s immediate priorities for the Church.
As the anticipation grows, the new leader will also hint at their direction for the Church, delineating whether they intend to uphold or adjust the path set forth by Francis’ memorable papacy. For many, the moment is not just significant on a religious level but culturally, as crowds gather from around the globe, forging connections amid their shared faith. Only time will tell how this new leadership will shape the future of Catholicism worldwide.
