Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel — the time-honored signal that a new pope has been chosen.
The 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church has been elected, succeeding the late Pope Francis, though his identity remains under wraps until his formal introduction on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In accordance with centuries-old Vatican protocol, once a cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority vote, he is asked the pivotal question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon his acceptance, he selects a papal name, which is then officially recorded and notarized, signifying his assumption of full authority over the 1.4 billion-strong global Catholic community.
The newly elected pope is then led to the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he dons the white papal cassock for the first time — a moment steeped in solemnity and transformation.
Soon after, the senior Cardinal Deacon will emerge onto the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaim the historic words: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.” The new pontiff will then appear before the world, offering his first Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) apostolic blessing.
This climactic moment marks not just the unveiling of a new spiritual leader, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church — one that will be shaped by the vision, priorities, and name of the man now entrusted with the papacy.
In keeping with tradition, a formal inauguration Mass will be held in the coming days, where the new pope will be ceremonially installed before dignitaries, clergy, and pilgrims from across the globe.
