The Catholic Church has a new spiritual leader. After just two days of deliberation, white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the cardinals gathered in conclave have successfully selected a new pope. As the crowd erupted in cheers and the Vatican prepared to announce his name, the world watched in anticipation, eager to learn the identity of the 267th pontiff to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The Meaning Behind the White Smoke
The appearance of white smoke is one of the most iconic moments in the papal election process. It’s the traditional sign that the College of Cardinals has reached a decision. As the smoke drifted above St. Peter’s Square, tens of thousands of people gathered below, their eyes fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Across the globe, Catholics and non-Catholics alike tuned in, waiting for the historic announcement: “Habemus papam” — Latin for “We have a pope.”
Inside the Papal Election Process
Selecting a new pope is a highly secretive and deeply spiritual event. This year, 133 voting cardinals were locked inside the Vatican for the conclave. To become pope, a cardinal needs to secure a two-thirds majority vote — no easy feat given the diversity of opinions, backgrounds, and visions for the Church’s future.
The conclave began with prayers and a solemn vow of secrecy. The cardinals cast their first ballots on Wednesday afternoon, but black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaled that no consensus had been reached. They reconvened Thursday morning, and after additional ballots, the white smoke finally appeared, announcing to the world that the cardinals had chosen a new leader.
How Long Does It Take to Reveal the New Pope?
While the white smoke signals that a decision has been made, the world usually waits a bit longer to learn who the new pope is. After the election, the pope-elect is asked whether he accepts the role and which name he wishes to take as pontiff. He then dresses in papal robes, and the cardinals individually pledge their obedience.
Traditionally, the Vatican’s senior cardinal deacon steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce the new pope. Soon after, the new pontiff himself appears on the balcony to give his first blessing to the faithful. In 2013, when Pope Francis was elected, it took roughly an hour from the time the white smoke appeared to the moment he was introduced to the world.
How Does the 2025 Conclave Compare to Past Elections?
This year’s conclave unfolded quickly, lasting just two days. The cardinals gathered Wednesday, and after several rounds of voting, the decision was made by Thursday afternoon. This timeline aligns with recent papal elections. For example, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after five ballots over two days, and Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 after just four ballots.
However, not all conclaves in history have been so swift. The longest conclave on record took place in the 13th century, lasting nearly three years before Pope Gregory X was finally chosen. On the other end of the spectrum, the shortest conclave in 1503 selected Pope Pius III in just 10 hours. Fortunately, the Church has since streamlined the process, balancing thoughtful deliberation with the urgency of selecting a leader in a timely manner.
Who Was in the Running to Become the New Pope?
While the cardinal electors often choose one of their own, it’s not a strict requirement. Vatican insiders and experts had identified roughly a dozen frontrunners this year, though conclave outcomes can be famously unpredictable. Behind the closed doors, the cardinals weigh not only personal qualities but also the global challenges facing the Church — including issues of social justice, clerical reform, interfaith dialogue, and the Church’s role in a rapidly changing world.
Why the World Watches So Closely
The election of a new pope is not only a momentous occasion for Catholics but also a significant global event. The pope plays a critical role on the world stage, influencing conversations about morality, human rights, and international diplomacy. As the crowd in St. Peter’s Square waited with bated breath, people across continents tuned in — from small chapels in Africa and Latin America to cathedrals in Europe and churches across the U.S.
This year’s papal election reminds us of the enduring importance of the papacy and the Catholic Church’s ability to inspire both tradition and renewal. The new pope will face immense challenges, but today, the world pauses to celebrate his election and await his first words to the faithful.
Key Points
✅ White smoke over the Sistine Chapel signaled the election of a new pope on Day 2 of the conclave.
✅ 133 voting cardinals participated, requiring a two-thirds majority for the election.
✅ The new pope’s name and first public appearance typically follow within about an hour of the white smoke.
✅ The 2025 conclave lasted two days, similar to recent elections, but much shorter than historical conclaves.
✅ The world now waits to hear the new pope’s name and vision for the Church’s future.