White smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled a new pope’s election. After just two days of voting, the Catholic Church welcomed its 267th spiritual leader.
White smoke means a decision has been made. As it rose, thousands in St. Peter’s Square cheered, awaiting the traditional announcement: “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.”
A conclave is a private gathering of cardinals to elect a pope. This year, 133 cardinals needed a two-thirds majority to agree on the Church’s new leader.
The conclave began with prayers and secrecy. On Wednesday, black smoke appeared — no consensus yet. The first round of voting ended without selecting the next pope.
On Thursday afternoon, white smoke confirmed the decision. After more ballots, a new pope was chosen, concluding the conclave in just two days.
After accepting, the pope-elect chooses a name, dresses in papal robes, and receives pledges of obedience before being introduced to the public.
The senior cardinal deacon announces “Habemus papam.” The new pope then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to give his first blessing.