Vatican City erupted in joy on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pope had been elected. It marks the end of the papal conclave that began just two days earlier, bringing anticipation and emotion to the heart of the Catholic Church.
As news of the white smoke spread rapidly across Rome, people flooded into the streets, many running toward St. Peter’s Square. Excitement filled the air as thousands streamed in from every alleyway leading to the Vatican. The crowd, a mix of pilgrims, locals, and tourists, gathered in anticipation of the momentous announcement.
In the square itself, emotions ran high. People embraced each other and wept tears of joy. Earlier, eyes had been fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, waiting for any sign. Now, the focus shifted to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the 267th pope is expected to make his first public appearance.
This historic moment recalls the election of Pope Francis in 2013. When he stepped onto the same balcony, he made a powerful impression by choosing simplicity over ceremony—dressed in plain white robes, he greeted the world with a modest “Buona sera,” meaning “good evening.” His choice of the name “Francis” honored St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility and devotion to the poor.
Today, the crowd waits to see what name and path the new pope will choose. The square has become a scene of celebration and reverence, filled with music and color. The Swiss Guard, in their iconic striped uniforms, marched through the crowd alongside a ceremonial band. Their presence is a traditional sign that the new pope will soon appear.
The selection of the new pope came after two days of voting by 133 cardinal electors, all sequestered in the Vatican for the conclave. To be chosen, a candidate needed to receive a two-thirds majority vote.
While the faithful in Rome watched the Vatican balcony, the event echoed across the globe. At a press event in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump remarked, “I saw the smoke, but I haven’t seen the pope,” drawing attention to the worldwide interest in the papal transition. The president had recently faced backlash after a controversial AI-generated image of him dressed as a pope was posted on social media.
As the world awaits the appearance of the new pontiff, one thing is clear: the eyes of millions are fixed on the Vatican, and the next chapter in the Catholic Church’s history is about to begin.
When a pope dies or resigns, Catholic Church leaders gather in a process called a conclave to choose a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. This year, 133 cardinals took part.
They meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote in secret. A candidate needs two-thirds of the votes to be elected. Voting continues up to four times a day until someone is chosen.
When a new pope is elected, white smoke rises from the chapel chimney to signal the news to the world. Soon after, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to greet the public for the first time.