White Smoke Signals Election of New Pope by Vatican Conclave
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney shortly after 6:00 PM local time (1600 GMT) on Thursday, May 8th, accompanied by the celebratory ringing of St. Peter's Basilica bells, confirming that the College of Cardinals has elected a new Pope. The successful election concludes the conclave convened to choose a successor following the passing of Pope Francis last month.
Election Confirmation and Public Reaction
The emergence of the white smoke, the traditional signal indicating a successful papal election, was greeted with cheers and applause from the large, expectant crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. The election occurred on the first full day of voting, following an initial inconclusive ballot held on Wednesday evening. The 133 cardinal electors, sequestered within the Vatican since Wednesday, reached the required two-thirds majority (89 votes) during Thursday's voting sessions.
Announcement of New Pontiff Imminent
Following the white smoke signal, preparations are underway for the formal announcement. The identity of the newly elected Pope, along with the papal name he has chosen, will be declared to the world shortly from the central balcony ('Loggia of the Blessings') of St. Peter's Basilica by the Cardinal Proto-deacon. Subsequently, the new pontiff will appear on the balcony to deliver his first public address and the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing.
Successor to Pope Francis Chosen
The newly elected Pope succeeds Pope Francis, who led the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church for 12 years until his death on April 21st. Pre-conclave discussions among cardinals indicated varying perspectives on the desired path for the Church, with some favouring continuity with Francis's reformist vision and others preferring a more conservative direction. The choice made by the cardinals will soon become clear.
The appearance of white smoke marks the successful conclusion of the papal conclave. As the bells of St. Peter's continue to resonate, the Catholic Church and the world now await the formal introduction of the new Pope, who will soon step onto the world stage as the successor to St. Peter.
