White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out on Thursday, announcing that a new pope has been elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.
The decision came on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors, who entered conclave on Wednesday afternoon behind the Vatican’s fortified walls.
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Cheers erupted in St. Peter’s Square as the white smoke appeared—signifying a successful vote—while jubilant onlookers waved banners and cried out, “Long live the Pope!” One sign simply read, “We have a pope!”
The identity of the newly chosen pope and the papal name he has selected will be revealed shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He will then offer his first public address and blessing to the gathered faithful.
Among the emotional crowd was Sister Mona Lisa from Brazil, waving her national flag and weeping with joy. “I am so happy we have a pope,” she said.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 after 12 years as pontiff. During his tenure, he championed reforms, encouraged dialogue on controversial topics such as the role of women and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church, and sought to modernize the 1.4-billion-member institution.
Though no clear favorite had emerged to succeed him, several cardinals were seen as leading contenders, including Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, and Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo.
The cardinals had to choose whether to continue the path of reform Francis laid out or pivot to a more conservative direction.
The conclave remained strictly confidential, with electors cut off from external communication and only the smoke from the chapel indicating the progress of the vote—black for no decision, white for a successful election.
After an initial inconclusive ballot Wednesday evening, two more rounds followed Thursday morning. White smoke finally appeared at 6:08 p.m. Vatican time, signaling the selection of a new pope.
Cardinals were isolated during the process, staying in Vatican accommodations and meeting in the Sistine Chapel for voting, with all digital devices confiscated and complete secrecy enforced.
Historically, it takes an average of 7.2 ballots to elect a pope, though Pope Francis was elected in just five in 2013.
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