Cardinals elect new pope as white smoke rises over Vatican

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signalling the election of a new pope by the cardinals.

The historic moment followed days of closed-door deliberations at the Vatican, where 133 cardinal-electors gathered in a conclave to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The name and identity of the new pope remain under wraps but will be announced when he appears at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first public blessing.

“White smoke! The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica,” the Vatican News tweeted.

This important event follows the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta after a prolonged illness. His funeral mass was held on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square.

Following the service, Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, honoring his personal wish to be buried outside the Vatican.

As the world awaits the introduction of the new pope, the faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, united in anticipation and prayer.

The forthcoming announcement will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.