Cardinals Elect New Pope As White Smoke Rises Over Vatican

White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that Catholic cardinals have chosen a new pope to lead the Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide.

Crowds waiting in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the smoke appeared and the bells rang, confirming the Church has elected its 267th pope.

Attention has now turned to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the new leader will soon appear, introduce himself with a chosen papal name, and deliver his first public address.

The new pope steps into the role at a crucial time.

Alongside guiding the Church through major global issues, he must also confront internal challenges, including fallout from past sexual abuse scandals and financial instability in the Vatican.

The election followed the death of Pope Francis last month.

Francis, the first Latin American pope, led the Church for 12 years and was known for his progressive views on climate change and immigration, though he often clashed with more traditional members of the Church.

This conclave was the largest and most diverse in history, with 133 cardinal electors from five continents. Most of them were appointed by Francis, though that didn’t necessarily determine how they voted.

Voting began on Wednesday, and after two rounds that produced black smoke—meaning no consensus—the third vote on Thursday afternoon resulted in the white smoke that confirmed a decision had been made.

According to tradition, the new pope will first visit the “Room of Tears,” a private chamber where he can reflect before putting on the papal robes.

He will then return to the chapel, where fellow cardinals will pledge their loyalty.

Afterward, he’ll step onto the balcony, where a senior cardinal will announce the words “Habemus Papam” —“We have a pope.”

From there, the new pontiff will offer a brief speech and deliver his first blessing to the world, known as “Urbi et Orbi’ (“To the City and the World”).

This election comes at a time of rising political tensions worldwide, deep divisions within the Church, and growing struggles to connect with younger generations and fill empty pews in many Western countries.

The new pope’s official inauguration will take place within a few days and will include a special mass attended by leaders from across the globe.

He’s also expected to tour St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile before laying out his vision for the Church’s future.

KanyiDaily recalls that Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26 in Rome after his funeral mass at St Peter’s Square.