In a powerful scene steeped in centuries-old ritual, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, May 8, 2025, signaling the election of a new pope to succeed His Holiness Pope Francis. As thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Catholic world held its breath, awaiting the formal announcement from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Wait for the New Pontiff
As tradition dictates, the identity of the new pope is not made public immediately after the white smoke appears. In 2013, when Pope Francis was chosen, it took roughly an hour before he emerged to greet the world. A similar delay was observed on Thursday as Vatican protocol was carefully followed behind closed doors.
Once a pope is chosen by the College of Cardinals, the selected cleric is asked two questions: whether he accepts the election, and what name he will take as pontiff. Upon acceptance, the new pope is led away to don the white papal robes in the “Room of Tears.” He then receives the homage of the cardinal electors before stepping out to deliver his first blessing — Urbi et Orbi — to the faithful gathered in the square and those watching around the world.
“Habemus Papam”: An Ancient Announcement
Traditionally, the senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the famous Latin phrase, “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!” He then announces the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church by his chosen papal name. Shortly thereafter, the pope appears, smiling and waving, to greet the global audience and impart his inaugural blessing.
Though the name and face of the new pope had not yet been publicly revealed at press time, Vatican officials confirmed that the sacred process had followed established procedure and the faithful could expect an official announcement shortly.
Conclave 2025: How the Process Unfolded
The conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis began on Wednesday afternoon, May 7, with 133 cardinal electors gathering in solemn prayer before taking an oath of secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel. As the heavy doors closed behind them, the centuries-old process of choosing the next leader of the 1.3 billion-member Catholic Church commenced in earnest.
That evening, black smoke rose from the chapel’s chimney, signaling no agreement had been reached after the first round of voting.
On Thursday morning, the cardinals resumed deliberations with two more rounds of ballots. Again, black smoke appeared before midday, indicating no decisive outcome.
It was only later in the afternoon that the tide turned. As the sun began to descend over Rome, white smoke rose — a symbolic declaration that a new pope had been chosen.
“The Spirit Moves in Mysterious Ways”
Vatican watchers had speculated about a shortlist of roughly a dozen frontrunners, though the Church’s internal deliberations remain strictly confidential. While cardinals typically select someone from among their ranks, canon law does not mandate this.
“The conclave is a profoundly spiritual and unpredictable process,” said Father Marco Silvestri, a theologian and Vatican analyst based in Rome. “The Holy Spirit doesn’t always move in the direction pundits expect.”
Silvestri added, “Each conclave reflects not only the challenges facing the Church, but also the diverse perspectives of its global leadership. Unity of vision takes time — but when it arrives, it’s a powerful moment of grace.”
Historical Comparisons: Duration of Past Conclaves
The 2025 conclave, lasting just under two days, aligns with the trend of relatively swift papal selections in recent decades. For comparison, the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013 began on March 12 and concluded the following day after five ballots. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was elected in 2005 in just four ballots over two days.
However, not all conclaves have moved this swiftly. The record for the longest papal election belongs to the 13th-century conclave that chose Pope Gregory X after nearly three years of deadlock. In stark contrast, the shortest conclave on record — held in 1503 — lasted just ten hours and resulted in the selection of Pope Pius III.
A Moment of Global Significance
As the Church awaits the public appearance of the new pontiff, Catholics across the globe are reflecting on what the next chapter will bring. With Pope Francis having left a profound legacy marked by humility, inclusivity, and social justice, his successor inherits both an inspiring precedent and the weight of great responsibility.
“Whoever emerges from that balcony today will face a rapidly changing world,” said Sister Catherine Onyekachi, a Nigerian nun attending the event in Rome. “We pray the new pope brings the same compassion, courage, and connection to the people that Pope Francis embodied.”
Eyes on the Balcony
Crowds in St. Peter’s Square remain jubilant yet reverent, their eyes fixed on the Basilica’s central balcony. Church bells continue to ring as the world awaits the pope’s first words.
The announcement — expected at any moment — will officially usher in a new era for the Catholic Church, one that continues to evolve in dialogue with modern challenges while remaining anchored in centuries of sacred tradition.
For now, the world waits — united by faith, history, and the powerful symbol of white smoke rising against the Roman sky.
