On May 8, 2025, the Vatican witnessed a historic moment as the Conclave elected a new Pope, marking the end of a suspenseful wait for millions of Catholics worldwide. The white smoke, a symbol of the election, emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 18:07, indicating that a successor to Pope Francis had been chosen after the fourth ballot.
The announcement will be made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti using the traditional formula, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum, habemus Papam...". Following this, the new Pope is expected to greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, a tradition that has become a hallmark of papal elections.
During the Conclave, which involves 133 voting cardinals, a quorum of 89 votes is required for election. This election marks the fifth time since 1900 that a Pope has been elected on the second day of the Conclave, a process that has captivated the attention of Catholics and the media alike.
As the white smoke billowed, thousands of people in St. Peter's Square erupted in applause, and the bells of the basilica rang out in celebration. The atmosphere was electric, with over 40,000 people present to witness this pivotal moment in the Catholic Church. The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, was also among the crowd, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new Pope's name.
Earlier in the day, the cardinals had faced a challenging morning with two black smoke signals indicating that no agreement had been reached during the first two votes. However, the rapid resolution in the afternoon brought forth a sense of unity within the Church, as noted by Cardinal Versaldi, who remarked, "A white smoke that arrives so soon is a clear sign of the unity of the Church."
In the lead-up to the election, speculation had been rife regarding potential candidates for the papacy. Names such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa had been frequently mentioned as frontrunners. Bookmakers also updated their predictions, placing Tagle ahead of Parolin in the race for the papacy.
The Imam of the Great Mosque of Rome, Nader Akkad, expressed hope that the new Pope would continue the legacy of dialogue and peace established by Pope Francis. He stated, "We hope that the new Holy Father will carry on the legacy of Pope Francis, who dedicated his papacy to promoting interreligious dialogue and peace among nations."
As the day progressed, the excitement in St. Peter's Square grew, with families and pilgrims arriving from various directions, eager to witness the outcome of the Conclave. Many had prepared for a long wait under the sun, equipped with water bottles and umbrellas, while others claimed prime spots for a view of the chimney from which the smoke would emerge.
Security measures were heightened, with over 15,000 people present in the St. Peter's area, while 5,000 gathered at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis had been laid to rest. The President of the Lazio Region, Francesco Rocca, assured that preparations were in place to manage the influx of visitors, stating, "We are ready, the emergency services are prepared, and we are well-organized."
However, the day was not without incident. Authorities seized an English-language banner praising the Islamic figure of the Mahdi, resulting in the arrest of three individuals for unauthorized demonstration and disrupting religious functions. This incident underscored the heightened security environment surrounding the Conclave.
The new Pope's first actions are anticipated to be significant, as he will be tasked with addressing the pressing issues facing the Church and the world today. Cardinal Re emphasized the expectations placed upon the new Pope, stating, "The world expects much from the new Pope for a religious revival, especially in light of the ongoing wars and conflicts across the globe."
Once the new Pope is announced, he will retreat to the "Room of Tears" to don the papal vestments and prepare for his first public appearance. This sacred space, located in the Sistine Chapel, allows the newly elected Pope a moment of reflection and prayer before stepping into his new role.
As the anticipation builds for the announcement, media outlets around the world are closely following the proceedings. The event has garnered significant attention, with live updates and streaming coverage from major news organizations, highlighting the global interest in the election of the new Pope.
The next smoke signal is expected around 19:00, following the announcement of the new Pope. For many, this moment is not just the election of a religious leader, but a symbol of hope and renewal for the Catholic Church and its followers.
In summary, the election of the new Pope during the second day of the Conclave has captured the hearts of millions, with the white smoke signaling a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. As the faithful await the announcement, the world holds its breath for the name of the 267th Pope, who will carry the legacy of Pope Francis into the future.
