The Roman Catholic cardinals wasted no time, selecting a new pope on the second day of their conclave. The event took place in the legendary Sistine Chapel located in Vatican City. The election follows the death of Pope Francis, who died April 22 at age 88. This is an exciting time for the Church, as it enters into a new era welcoming her 267th pontiff.
On May 8, 2025, plumes of white smoke poured from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel. This view was all it took to confirm to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that a new pope had been elected. The audience could hardly contain themselves with excitement as they awaited the news that their new chief had been chosen. Later today Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will announce the name of the new pontiff. He will achieve this from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The conclave opened with the cardinals processing into the Sistine Chapel. They plunged deep into private deliberation and voted each time several times. The identity of that new pope was not announced right after the fourth ballot. This created excitement and expectation that spread to the faithful and non-faithful observers around the globe.
Importantly, that made Pope Francis the first pontiff from the Americas, making his successor’s election all the more historic. In response to news of the election, former President Donald Trump remarked, “I saw the smoke, but I haven’t seen the pope,” reflecting the global interest in this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
Reactions poured in from various quarters, including nuns who expressed joy and excitement upon seeing the white smoke—an age-old symbol of a successful papal election. The energy in St. Peter’s Square sizzled with possibility. Attendees with joyous, sagely eyes zealously spread their visions for this new papacy and how it could transform the Church and its parishioners.
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