VATICAN CITY — White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling the election of the 267th pope after lengthy deliberations by the College of Cardinals. At 6:07 p.m., the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, and a wave of excitement swept through St. Peter’s Square, where a crowd of tens of thousands erupted into cheers.
As flags from various nations waved above the crowd, many celebrated with tears of joy, chanting “Viva il papa!” in anticipation of the new leader of the Catholic Church. The presence of large groups, including schoolchildren and pilgrims, added to the jubilant atmosphere as the world awaited the announcement of the pope’s name.
The appearance of white smoke indicates that at least 89 of the 133 cardinals present had reached a consensus on their choice. The formal announcement will occur later when a senior cardinal proclaims “Habemus Papam!” — meaning “We have a pope!” This will be followed by the announcement of the new pope’s birth name in Latin, along with the name he has chosen to be called.
Anticipation filled the air as the newly elected pope is expected to make an appearance and offer a blessing to the gathered faithful. The wait proved to be a shared experience, as locals and visitors alike expressed excitement and hope for the new papacy.
Among those awaiting the results was Pedro Deget, a 22-year-old finance student from Argentina. Reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, Deget hoped for a successor who continues to embrace openness and reform. “Francis did well in opening the church to the outside world, but on other fronts maybe he didn’t do enough,” he said.
Some expressed differing opinions. Rev. Jan Dominik Bogataj, a Slovene Franciscan friar, stated that he would vote for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, citing his clarity and directness as key qualities.
The voting process commenced on Wednesday evening, but the initial ballot resulted in black smoke, indicating that no candidate had achieved the necessary majority. This prolonged delay raised speculation about the cardinals’ deliberations and whether additional time was needed for discussions or logistical issues.
The conclave, steeped in tradition, is a theatrical event rich with historical significance. Cardinals, dressed in vibrant red cassocks, participated in solemn rites as they were sealed inside the Sistine Chapel, leaving the outside world behind to deliberate in secret.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the senior cardinal under age 80, oversaw the proceedings and may be considered a leading candidate for the papacy. Notably, during the pre-conclave Mass, another cardinal offered Parolin what appeared to be an informal blessing, fueling speculation about his potential candidacy.
Voting within the conclave follows a meticulous process. Each cardinal writes his choice on a ballot, stating a solemn oath in the presence of God. Ballots are collected and later counted by scrutineers, ensuring thorough oversight.
As the collective anticipation in St. Peter’s Square grows, the world watches closely for the announcement that will determine the next shepherd of the Roman Catholic Church.
