New Pope Elected as White Smoke Rises Today/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling the election of a new pope on just the second day of the papal conclave. The newly chosen pontiff secured the required two-thirds majority from the 133 voting cardinals. His identity and papal name will be revealed shortly in the traditional “Habemus Papam” proclamation.
Papal Election Quick Looks
- White Smoke Confirmed: A new pope was elected on day two of the conclave.
- Voting Threshold: The successful candidate required at least 89 out of 133 cardinal votes.
- Crowd Reaction: Applause and celebration erupted in St. Peter’s Square.
- Next Steps: The pope is now donning papal garments before his introduction.
- “Habemus Papam” Imminent: Latin for “We have a pope” to be proclaimed from the loggia.
- First Papal Words: The new pontiff will deliver his initial blessing from the balcony.
- Significance of Name: His chosen name may hint at his future direction and values.
- Predecessors’ Inspiration: Francis honored the poor; Benedict invoked stability during wartime.
- Conclave Duration: A remarkably swift decision on only the second day.
- Church’s Next Chapter: A new spiritual era begins for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Deep Look: New Era Begins as Cardinals Elect Pope on Day Two of Conclave
VATICAN CITY — White smoke streamed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel Thursday afternoon, confirming the swift election of a new pope and marking a defining moment in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. The signal came earlier than many expected — on just the second day of the conclave — showing an unusually decisive vote by the College of Cardinals.
The newly elected pontiff received at least 89 of the 133 cardinal votes required to become the 267th pope, following the retirement of Pope Francis.
Thousands of faithful packed into St. Peter’s Square roared with joy as bells from the basilica tolled in unison with the plume of white smoke, the centuries-old visual cue that a successor had been chosen.
Tradition in Motion
Within the Sistine Chapel, the pope-elect now enters the Room of Tears, where he dons the papal white vestments and quietly prepares for his public debut. In a matter of moments, the Church will hear the time-honored declaration: “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope.”
From the balcony above St. Peter’s Square, the senior cardinal deacon will announce the new pontiff’s birth name in Latin and the papal name he has chosen — a deeply symbolic decision reflecting the tone and vision of his upcoming papacy.
Why the Name Matters
A pope’s chosen name can offer insights into his priorities. Pope Francis invoked St. Francis of Assisi, a champion of the poor and marginalized. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, named himself after Benedict XV, who sought peace amid World War I.
The world waits with anticipation: What name will this new pope choose? What message will it send?
The Process
The conclave, which began Tuesday, locked 133 cardinals in seclusion inside Vatican City, their communications cut off, to elect the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Each voting round is conducted in solemn secrecy beneath Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel.
Today’s vote reflects unity within the College of Cardinals, with the rapid outcome suggesting a consensus candidate emerged early.
Global Significance
This papal transition arrives at a critical time, with challenges ranging from secularism in the West to persecution of Christians globally, climate change, and internal Church reform. The Church’s future role in geopolitics, social justice, and interfaith dialogue will largely be shaped by the direction set by its new leader.
As Vatican bells ring and the square swells with emotion, the Catholic world waits to glimpse the man who will lead them into a new spiritual era.
“Every conclave is a moment of rebirth for the Church,” said one Vatican observer. “But the swiftness of this election suggests not only divine guidance, but a readiness for unified leadership.”
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