Vatican City — A new leader of the Catholic Church has emerged following the traditional white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025, signifying the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals.
The announcement, “Habemus Papam” (Latin for “We have a Pope”), is expected to be delivered shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff will be presented to the world for the first time. As at press time, the identity of the newly elected pope had not yet been disclosed.
The election concludes the papal conclave which began earlier this week following the death of Pope Francis in April at the age of 88. Pope Francis served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, guiding over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide during a papacy marked by reform and outreach.
A total of 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries participated in the vote, with a two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes) required to elect the new pope. The conclave’s decision came on only its second day of deliberations.
Cheers erupted in St. Peter’s Square as thousands of pilgrims and onlookers from around the world witnessed the symbolic white smoke, a moment deeply rooted in Catholic tradition indicating that a new spiritual leader has been chosen.
The new pope is expected to give his first Apostolic Blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”), immediately after his introduction.
More updates will follow as the Vatican formally unveils the name and background of the new pontiff.
