A new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history began Thursday as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope has been elected by the College of Cardinals.
The smoke appeared at 6:43 p.m. local time, setting off a wave of jubilation in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands had gathered in prayer and anticipation.
Applause and cheers erupted as the centuries-old tradition confirmed that a two-thirds majority—at least 89 out of 133 voting cardinals—had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who passed just recently, citing health reasons.
The conclave, held in secrecy, drew cardinals from around the world who deliberated over several days.
Vatican observers noted that the choice of the next pope comes at a critical time for the Church, as it faces challenges including internal reform, declining vocations in the West, and moral leadership on global issues.
The new pope will become the 267th successor of St. Peter and assume immediate spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details become available.
The identity of the newly elected pope remains under wraps until the traditional announcement of “Habemus Papam” is made by the senior cardinal deacon. That moment is expected within the hour, followed by the pope’s first address to the faithful.
