● Luca Benedetti – GMTNewsng Vatican Correspondent
VATICAN CITY — A new chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church began today, May 8, 2025, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling the election of the 267th pope. The announcement came after four rounds of voting over two days by the College of Cardinals, who convened in a secret conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
The sight of the white smoke was met with jubilation by tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Cheers erupted, flags waved, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled, marking the momentous occasion. The faithful now await the traditional Latin announcement, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff will be introduced and deliver his first apostolic blessing.
The conclave, comprising 133 cardinal electors, required a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes—to elect the new pope. This conclave was notable for being the largest in history, reflecting the global diversity of the Church, with many of the electors appointed by Pope Francis himself.
Speculation about the identity of the new pope has been rife, with figures such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, among the frequently mentioned contenders. The choice of the new pope is expected to influence the Church’s direction on various issues, including social justice, interfaith dialogue, and internal reforms.
Following the announcement, the new pope will don the papal vestments in the Room of Tears before stepping onto the balcony to greet the world. His selection of a papal name will offer insights into his vision for the Church’s future. The faithful around the globe now look forward to the leadership and guidance of the newly elected pontiff as he embarks on his papacy. GMTNewsng
