White smoke signals new pope elected at the Vatican
White smoke emerged from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the cardinals have elected a pope. We will soon learn the name of the new Holy Father.
What do you need to know?
- After 12 p.m. (6 p.m. Rome time), white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope.
- The conclave started on Wednesday.
- 133 cardinals participated in the voting. To elect a pope, a two-thirds majority is needed, which is 89 votes.
In two morning votes on Thursday, a new Holy Father was not elected. Before 11 a.m., black smoke was seen coming from the famous chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
In the afternoon, the cardinals had lunch and then held another vote. Just after 6 p.m., white smoke appeared from the chimney, and Vatican bells began to ring, announcing the election of a new pope.
Soon, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from France will appear on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and declare "habemus papam!" (translation: we have a pope). He will also announce the elect's previous name and his new name as the Holy Father.
Expectations for the new pope
133 cardinal electors participated in the voting for the new Holy Father. The pope will soon appear in the central window of St. Peter's Basilica.
The conclave began on Wednesday, May 7.
The previous pope, Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, after several weeks of illness. His pontificate began on March 13, 2013.
