Gladness Gideon
White smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the conclave of 133 cardinals has successfully elected a new pope — the successor to Pope Francis.
The historic moment unfolded on the second day of voting, stirring celebration among thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square and sending a ripple of anticipation across the global Catholic community of over 1.4 billion faithful.
The identity of the new pontiff remains under wraps until the traditional Habemus Papam (We have a Pope) announcement is made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. A senior cardinal, known as the Cardinal Protodeacon, will deliver the formal declaration before the new pope steps forward to give his first public blessing.
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The election marks the end of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking tenure, which began in 2013 and was defined by bold reforms, interfaith outreach, and a compassionate focus on the poor and marginalized. His retirement earlier this year — the second papal resignation in modern history — triggered the latest conclave.
All eyes now turn to the Vatican balcony, where centuries of tradition and modern expectation will converge with the appearance of the Catholic Church’s next spiritual leader.
Stay with us for live updates as history unfolds in Rome.