Vatican City — Thursday, 8/5/25
White smoke has billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel this Thursday evening, signaling that the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The dramatic plume rising into the evening sky above St. Peter’s Square confirms that the 133 cardinals gathered inside the Vatican have concluded their highly secretive and spiritually significant conclave with the selection of a new pontiff. Cheers erupted from thousands of pilgrims and tourists awaiting the announcement in the square below, many of whom had been camped outside for hours in anticipation.
The identity of the new pope remains under wraps for now, but the traditional “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope) declaration is expected shortly from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The announcement will reveal the name and chosen papal title of the new spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
The election comes at a pivotal time for the Church, facing a range of modern challenges including secularism, global conflict, and internal reforms. The new pope is expected to address these issues while seeking to unify and spiritually inspire a diverse global flock.
EXPLAINER: How the Conclave Works – And Who Was Likely in the Running to Become Pope
Vatican City
With white smoke signaling the successful election of a new pope this evening, global attention now turns to understanding how the process unfolded — and who might have emerged from the Sistine Chapel as the Church’s next leader.
The Conclave: An Ancient and Sacred Tradition
The conclave is the centuries-old process by which the Roman Catholic Church selects a new pope following the resignation or death of a predecessor. The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” reflecting the strict isolation of the cardinals during deliberations. This secrecy is meant to allow the Holy Spirit to guide the decision without external pressure or influence.
The process began with a Mass “Pro Eligendo Papa” (For the Election of the Pope), followed by the cardinals being locked inside the Sistine Chapel. Voting can last for several days, with up to four rounds of balloting per day. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope.
Each vote is burned in a stove connected to the chapel’s chimney, with chemicals added to produce black smoke (no decision) or white smoke (successful election).
Who Were the Leading Contenders?
While the final choice often surprises observers, Vatican analysts had identified several frontrunners going into the conclave:
1. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is known for his work on interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. Seen as progressive on social issues but loyal to doctrine, he could have represented continuity with Pope Francis’ agenda.
2. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
A seasoned Vatican insider and former head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Turkson has long been discussed as a possible first African pope in modern history. His focus on global inequality and climate change aligned with the Church’s current social mission.
3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Former Archbishop of Manila and now head of the Vatican’s missionary efforts, Tagle is charismatic, media-savvy, and beloved across Asia. His election would signal a Church increasingly focused on the Global South.
4. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (Austria)
A respected theologian and editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Schönborn has been a key intellectual figure in Catholicism. While older than some contenders, his deep doctrinal roots could appeal to conservative factions.
As the world awaits the Habemus Papam announcement from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, speculation will end and history will begin for a new papacy. The choice will reflect the cardinals’ judgment on what kind of leadership the Church needs in a rapidly changing world.
Stay with us for updates as we bring you live coverage of the pope’s first public appearance and address