White smoke in the Vatican: the Catholic world awaits the announcement of the new Pope

This Thursday, May 8, a white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the cardinals have elected the new Pope.

May 8, 2025 - 19:05

White smoke in the Vatican: the Catholic world awaits the announcement of the new Pope

Image Vaticano News

This Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:07 p.m. local time, a white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, an unequivocal sign that the 133 cardinals gathered in conclave have elected the new Pope, the successor to Francis.

The election took place on the fourth ballot of the second day of the conclave, after an intense day of deliberations. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers and applause at the sight of the white smoke, while the basilica's bells rang out, announcing the election of the new pontiff to the world.

According to Vatican protocol, once the election is accepted, the new Pope retires to the "Hall of Tears" to don the white cassock. Afterward, the Cardinal Protodeacon will announce the traditional "Habemus Papam" from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, revealing the name of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic world is eagerly awaiting the identity of the new Pope and the name he has chosen for his pontificate. It is anticipated that in the coming minutes, the new pontiff will appear before the faithful and offer his first "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.