White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signalling the election of a new pope to lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church following Pope Francis’s death. The 133 cardinals gathered in a quick conclave and selected a successor to help shape the Church’s future.
According to Reuters, on May 8, 2025, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel and ringing bells at St Peter’s Basilica signalled the election of a new pope on the first full day of voting by 133 cardinal electors.
Beginning Wednesday, the conclave saw joyous crowds in St Peter’s Square cheer “Long Live the Pope!” as the smoke emerged at 6:08 PM, per Vatican News. The new pontiff’s identity and chosen name will soon be announced from St Peter’s balcony, followed by a public address, per AP News.
The Roman Catholic cardinals gathered at the Vatican in Rome have chosen a new pope to lead the church’s 1.4 billion faithful, announcing their decision with a swirl of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel https://t.co/HpE6z3Y1Ta pic.twitter.com/jVaokYxb5W
— Bloomberg (@business) May 8, 2025After Pope Francis’ death on April 21, the election followed an initial inconclusive vote on Wednesday and two Thursday morning ballots, averaging 7.2 ballots historically, per The Guardian. Sister Mona Lisa, a Brazilian nun, tearfully celebrated in the square, waving her flag, per Catholic News Agency.
Conclave Dynamics and Papal Candidates
The cardinals, sequestered with phones confiscated, chose between continuing Francis’ reformist vision embracing women’s roles and LGBT inclusion or a conservative shift, per the BBC. Frontrunners included Italy’s Pietro Parolin and the Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle, with France’s Jean-Marc Aveline and Hungary’s Peter Erdo as contenders, per The New York Times. Unlike longer conclaves, the swift decision reflects urgency to lead the 1.4 billion faithful, social media speculated on a global south pope, echoing Francis’ Argentine roots.
BREAKING: White smoke signals that a new pope has been elected https://t.co/tWKofh47vl pic.twitter.com/HNAnNnb6th
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 8, 2025White smoke on May 8, 2025, marked the election of a new pope to succeed Francis, chosen by 133 cardinals in a swift Vatican conclave. As St Peter’s Square erupted in joy, the world awaits the pontiff’s identity and vision. The new leader’s address will set the tone for the Catholic Church’s future.
