White Smoke Rises: Vatican Announces Election of New Pope
Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — A plume of white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 16:12 UTC today, marking the election of a new Pope by the 133 cardinal electors gathered in conclave. The signal, a tradition dating back to the 19th century as noted by The New York Times, indicates that the cardinals achieved the required two-thirds majority to select the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The conclave, which began on May 7, took place in the Sistine Chapel, a venue prepared with meticulous care, including the installation of a protective covering on its marble floor and elevated platforms for the cardinals, according to the National Catholic Reporter on May 2.
The white smoke, produced using chemical compounds for clarity as reported by CNET in 2013, contrasts with black smoke, which would have signaled an inconclusive vote. This conclave was historic for its size, with the College of Cardinals allowing all 133 eligible electors to participate, despite the traditional limit of 120 set by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. This exception echoes past instances, such as the 1969 conclave with 134 electors, per Vatican News archives.
The new Pope is expected to appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon will proclaim Habemus Papam ("We have a Pope"), a Latin phrase used since at least 1484, according to Wikipedia, to formally announce the pontiff’s identity and chosen papal name. The election follows the passing of Pope Francis, whose progressive tenure and support for contemporary art had a significant impact on the Church, as noted by news.artnet.com on May 2.
As the Catholic faithful await the new Pope’s first Urbi et Orbi blessing ("to the city and the world"), the white smoke has reignited global interest in the Church’s future direction. The Vatican has not yet released further details, but anticipation is high for the historic moment when the new pontiff will address the world from St. Peter’s Square.
