White Smoke! Cardinals Elect New Pope in the Vatican – Here’s What Happens Next
Vatican City – May 8, 2025 — White smoke has risen from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of a new Pope. This historic announcement marks the end of the papal conclave, as 133 Cardinal Electors have chosen the new Bishop of Rome—the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
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Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers at the sight of the traditional white smoke billowing from the chimney above the chapel, confirming that a two-thirds majority has been reached.
🕊️ What the White Smoke Means
The white smoke—fumata bianca—is produced by burning the ballots of the final voting session, along with special chemicals to create the distinctive white plume. It is the Vatican’s ancient and universally recognized sign that a Pope has been elected.
🕯️ What Happens Inside the Sistine Chapel After the Election?
After the decisive ballot, the following sacred rituals unfold:
1. Acceptance by the Elected Cardinal
- The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, approaches the elected candidate and asks:
“Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” - Upon acceptance, the new Pope responds:
“Accepto.”
2. Choice of Papal Name
- The newly elected Pope selects the name by which he will be known during his papacy.
- This name is immediately recorded and will be used in the public announcement.
3. Vestition in the Room of Tears
- The new Pontiff is escorted to the Room of Tears (Sala del Pianto), a small chamber adjoining the Sistine Chapel.
- Here, he dons one of three pre-prepared white cassocks (small, medium, or large) tailored for the occasion.
4. Acts of Homage
- The other Cardinals then approach one by one to kneel and pay homage to the new Pope, pledging their obedience.
📣 Public Announcement from the Balcony
Once internal formalities are complete, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti emerges onto the Loggia of Blessings—the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—to make the traditional Latin proclamation:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”
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He then reveals the name of the newly elected Pope and his chosen papal name.
👑 The New Pope Appears
Shortly afterward, the new Pope himself appears at the balcony to deliver his first Apostolic Blessing, known as the “Urbi et Orbi”—to the city of Rome (Urbi) and to the world (Orbi). This blessing is granted with the plenary indulgence.
📌 What to Expect Next
- The Vatican will soon release the official biography and background of the new Pope.
- Details about the Mass of Inauguration and the installation ceremony at St. Peter’s Square will follow in the coming hours.
🧠 Background: How the Conclave Works
- The papal conclave is conducted in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel.
- Only Cardinal Electors under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
- Voting continues with up to four ballots per day until a new Pope is chosen.
- The process is governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II.
⛪ Significance of the Moment
This moment is both a deeply spiritual and globally significant event. The new Pope assumes the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming a moral voice on issues ranging from peace and justice to climate change and interfaith dialogue.
Stay with us as we bring you live updates and the first words of the new Holy Father—the 267th successor of Saint Peter.:
