By rikififi90 
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday afternoon, signaling that 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new pope on the second day of the Vatican conclave. The historic moment, marked by cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, ended two days of intense voting to select the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. The identity of the new pontiff and the papal name he will adopt were set to be revealed shortly after the smoke appeared. The conclave, which began on May 7, followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
The announcement came after five rounds of voting, with black smoke indicating no decision on Wednesday and earlier Thursday. The new pope, elected with a two-thirds majority, will assume leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The process, shrouded in secrecy, unfolded in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals were sequestered under strict isolation protocols. Key aspects of the election include:
- Voting rounds: Five ballots over two days, with two votes Thursday morning and one in the afternoon.
- Electors: 133 cardinals under 80, representing 71 countries.
- Secrecy: No communication with the outside world, enforced by signal jammers and oaths.
- Signal: White smoke and ringing bells confirmed the election.
Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in joy as the white plume appeared, a moment of celebration after days of anticipation. The new pope’s first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica was expected within the hour, marking the start of a new chapter for the Church.
Voting process details
The conclave began on May 7 with a single vote, followed by four votes daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal wrote a name on a ballot marked “Eligo in summum pontificem” (I elect as supreme pontiff), folding and placing it in a chalice. Three scrutineers, chosen by lot, counted the votes, while revisers verified accuracy. Ballots were burned after each session, with chemicals added to produce black smoke for no election or white for a successful one.
The process required a two-thirds majority, or 89 of 133 votes, to elect the pope. If no candidate achieved this after three days, a one-day pause for prayer and discussion would have been allowed. The second day’s third vote, held Thursday afternoon, proved decisive, with white smoke appearing around 6 p.m. local time. The Vatican’s use of advanced chemicals ensured the smoke was unmistakably white, avoiding confusion seen in past conclaves.
The Sistine Chapel, closed to visitors since April 28, was swept for listening devices and sealed to ensure privacy. Cardinals stayed at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse with limited amenities, where they dined on simple meals like pasta and cutlets. The strict isolation, including deactivated cellphone service, underscored the sacred nature of the election.
St. Peter’s Square reactions
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, their eyes fixed on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. The crowd, a mix of pilgrims, tourists, and clergy, included groups from as far as Texas and France. When black smoke rose Thursday morning, many left disappointed but returned later, chanting hymns and praying. The mood shifted to jubilation as white smoke emerged, accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells.
Local Romans, accustomed to conclave rituals, joined the throng after work, blending with school groups and Holy Year pilgrims. Police estimated 11,000 people were present Thursday morning, down from 45,000 on Wednesday evening. The square buzzed with anticipation as visitors awaited the “Habemus papam” proclamation from the basilica’s balcony. A French pilgrim group sang religious songs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Cardinal electors’ diversity
The 2025 conclave was the most geographically diverse in history, with 133 electors from 71 countries. Europe led with 53 cardinals, followed by 23 from Asia, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, 16 from North America, four from Central America, and four from Oceania. Notable firsts included electors from Haiti, Singapore, and South Sudan. The age range spanned from 45 (Mikola Bychok of Ukraine) to 79 (Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain).
Pope Francis appointed 108 of the electors during his 12-year papacy, shaping a globalized College of Cardinals. The diversity reflected his emphasis on representing all regions, with no single bloc dominating. Despite this, Italian cardinals, numbering over 20, remained influential. The electors’ varied backgrounds fueled speculation about whether the new pope would hail from Europe, Asia, or Africa.
Papal contenders
No official candidates exist in a conclave, but several cardinals were considered “papabile” (pope-able). Names frequently mentioned included:
- Pietro Parolin, 70, Italian, Vatican Secretary of State, known for diplomatic skills.
- Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Filipino, seen as a reformer akin to Francis.
- Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Congolese, a conservative voice from Africa.
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italian, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, a potential Italian pope.
Other names, such as Robert Prevost (American) and Matteo Zuppi (Italian), surfaced in media reports. Vatican observers noted that frontrunners often fail to secure the papacy, citing John Paul II’s unexpected 1978 election. The diverse electorate and lack of a clear favorite made the outcome unpredictable.
Sistine Chapel preparations
The Sistine Chapel, hosting conclaves since 1492, was meticulously prepared. Two stoves were installed—one for burning ballots, another for chemicals to color the smoke. The chapel’s windows were boarded, and signal jammers blocked Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. Vatican firefighters stood by to ensure safety during ballot burning. The chapel’s frescoes by Michelangelo, including “The Last Judgment,” provided a solemn backdrop for the electors.
Long tables and chairs were arranged for the cardinals, each with a ballot and pen. The Book of the Gospels rested prominently, symbolizing the sacred oath of secrecy. Vestments in three sizes awaited the new pope in the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber where he would dress after election. The Vatican Museums closed the chapel to tourists on April 28 to facilitate these arrangements.
Pre-conclave gatherings
From April 22 to May 6, the College of Cardinals held 12 general congregations to discuss Church issues and logistics. Topics included clerical sexual abuse, evangelization challenges, and Vatican finances. Conservative cardinals like Gerhard Müller were vocal, while others emphasized synodality, a theme of Francis’s papacy. Over 70 formal speeches were delivered, with 180 cardinals present by the final meeting.
The fifth congregation on April 28 set the conclave’s start date for May 7, 16 days after Francis’s death. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, was chosen to celebrate the opening Mass, “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice,” in St. Peter’s Basilica. The meetings allowed cardinals to “suss each other out,” as one veteran described, fostering informal discussions over meals in Rome’s restaurants.
Secrecy and tradition
The conclave’s secrecy was enforced through oaths and strict protocols. Each cardinal swore to maintain confidentiality, risking excommunication for leaks. The “extra omnes” proclamation by Archbishop Diego Ravelli cleared the chapel of non-electors, marking the start of voting. Support staff, including sacristans and medical personnel, also took secrecy oaths on May 5.
The term “conclave,” meaning “locked with key,” stems from the 13th-century election of Gregory X, when cardinals were confined to expedite a decision. Modern conclaves no longer lock electors inside but maintain isolation through technology and security. The Vatican Gendarmerie, led by Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, guarded against threats like drones and AI-driven espionage.
Historical voting patterns
Recent conclaves have been swift, with the last three popes elected in two or three days:
- 2013: Pope Francis, five ballots over two days.
- 2005: Pope Benedict XVI, four ballots over two days.
- 1978: Pope John Paul II, eight ballots over three days.
The 2025 conclave’s two-day duration aligns with this trend. The shortest recorded conclave, in 1503, elected Pope Pius III in 10 hours, while the longest, from 1268 to 1271, lasted nearly three years. Since 1831, no conclave has exceeded four days, reflecting modern pressures for efficiency.
Public anticipation
St. Peter’s Square became a focal point for Catholics and curious onlookers. On Wednesday, black smoke drew groans, but Thursday’s white smoke sparked cheers. Pilgrims like Ceci Triska from Texas described a “quiet anticipation” before the final vote. School groups and clergy mingled with tourists, some watching live streams on phones. Seagulls perched on the chimney added a lighthearted touch, inspiring puns like “birds-eye pew” among reporters.
The Vatican estimated 140,000 people lined Rome’s streets during Pope Francis’s funeral procession on April 26, indicating the global interest in the papacy. Thursday’s crowd, though smaller, remained vibrant, with many staying for the new pope’s balcony appearance. The event coincided with the 2025 Holy Year, drawing additional pilgrims to Rome.
Papal transition rituals
After the election, the new pope was asked by the Cardinal Dean, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chose a papal name and donned vestments in the Room of Tears, named for the emotional weight of the moment. Three sizes of cassocks, recycled from past conclaves, were ready. The cardinal electors then pledged obedience, and thanks were given to God.
The Cardinal Proto-Deacon, expected to be Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, would proclaim “Habemus papam” from the balcony, announcing the pope’s identity and name. The new pontiff would deliver the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi, addressing the city and the world. Within days, he would take possession of the Patriarchal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, completing the transition.
Global Church representation
The conclave’s diversity highlighted the Church’s global reach. Cardinals from 15 nations, including first-time electors from Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste, brought varied perspectives. The strong Asian presence, with 23 electors, fueled speculation about a non-European pope, such as Luis Antonio Tagle or Pablo Virgilio David from the Philippines. Africa’s 18 electors, led by figures like Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, also drew attention.
The lack of a clear frontrunner reflected the Church’s divisions, with some cardinals favoring Francis’s reformist path and others seeking a conservative shift. The new pope would inherit a Church navigating issues like sexual abuse scandals, declining vocations in the West, and growing membership in Africa and Asia. The conclave’s outcome was seen as pivotal for addressing these challenges
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday afternoon, signaling that 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new pope on the second day of the Vatican conclave. The historic moment, marked by cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, ended two days of intense voting to select the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. The identity of the new pontiff and the papal name he will adopt were set to be revealed shortly after the smoke appeared. The conclave, which began on May 7, followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
The announcement came after five rounds of voting, with black smoke indicating no decision on Wednesday and earlier Thursday. The new pope, elected with a two-thirds majority, will assume leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The process, shrouded in secrecy, unfolded in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals were sequestered under strict isolation protocols. Key aspects of the election include:
- Voting rounds: Five ballots over two days, with two votes Thursday morning and one in the afternoon.
- Electors: 133 cardinals under 80, representing 71 countries.
- Secrecy: No communication with the outside world, enforced by signal jammers and oaths.
- Signal: White smoke and ringing bells confirmed the election.
Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in joy as the white plume appeared, a moment of celebration after days of anticipation. The new pope’s first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica was expected within the hour, marking the start of a new chapter for the Church.
Voting process details
The conclave began on May 7 with a single vote, followed by four votes daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal wrote a name on a ballot marked “Eligo in summum pontificem” (I elect as supreme pontiff), folding and placing it in a chalice. Three scrutineers, chosen by lot, counted the votes, while revisers verified accuracy. Ballots were burned after each session, with chemicals added to produce black smoke for no election or white for a successful one.
The process required a two-thirds majority, or 89 of 133 votes, to elect the pope. If no candidate achieved this after three days, a one-day pause for prayer and discussion would have been allowed. The second day’s third vote, held Thursday afternoon, proved decisive, with white smoke appearing around 6 p.m. local time. The Vatican’s use of advanced chemicals ensured the smoke was unmistakably white, avoiding confusion seen in past conclaves.
The Sistine Chapel, closed to visitors since April 28, was swept for listening devices and sealed to ensure privacy. Cardinals stayed at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse with limited amenities, where they dined on simple meals like pasta and cutlets. The strict isolation, including deactivated cellphone service, underscored the sacred nature of the election.
St. Peter’s Square reactions
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, their eyes fixed on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. The crowd, a mix of pilgrims, tourists, and clergy, included groups from as far as Texas and France. When black smoke rose Thursday morning, many left disappointed but returned later, chanting hymns and praying. The mood shifted to jubilation as white smoke emerged, accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells.
Local Romans, accustomed to conclave rituals, joined the throng after work, blending with school groups and Holy Year pilgrims. Police estimated 11,000 people were present Thursday morning, down from 45,000 on Wednesday evening. The square buzzed with anticipation as visitors awaited the “Habemus papam” proclamation from the basilica’s balcony. A French pilgrim group sang religious songs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Cardinal electors’ diversity
The 2025 conclave was the most geographically diverse in history, with 133 electors from 71 countries. Europe led with 53 cardinals, followed by 23 from Asia, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, 16 from North America, four from Central America, and four from Oceania. Notable firsts included electors from Haiti, Singapore, and South Sudan. The age range spanned from 45 (Mikola Bychok of Ukraine) to 79 (Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain).
Pope Francis appointed 108 of the electors during his 12-year papacy, shaping a globalized College of Cardinals. The diversity reflected his emphasis on representing all regions, with no single bloc dominating. Despite this, Italian cardinals, numbering over 20, remained influential. The electors’ varied backgrounds fueled speculation about whether the new pope would hail from Europe, Asia, or Africa.
Papal contenders
No official candidates exist in a conclave, but several cardinals were considered “papabile” (pope-able). Names frequently mentioned included:
- Pietro Parolin, 70, Italian, Vatican Secretary of State, known for diplomatic skills.
- Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Filipino, seen as a reformer akin to Francis.
- Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Congolese, a conservative voice from Africa.
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italian, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, a potential Italian pope.
Other names, such as Robert Prevost (American) and Matteo Zuppi (Italian), surfaced in media reports. Vatican observers noted that frontrunners often fail to secure the papacy, citing John Paul II’s unexpected 1978 election. The diverse electorate and lack of a clear favorite made the outcome unpredictable.
Sistine Chapel preparations
The Sistine Chapel, hosting conclaves since 1492, was meticulously prepared. Two stoves were installed—one for burning ballots, another for chemicals to color the smoke. The chapel’s windows were boarded, and signal jammers blocked Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. Vatican firefighters stood by to ensure safety during ballot burning. The chapel’s frescoes by Michelangelo, including “The Last Judgment,” provided a solemn backdrop for the electors.
Long tables and chairs were arranged for the cardinals, each with a ballot and pen. The Book of the Gospels rested prominently, symbolizing the sacred oath of secrecy. Vestments in three sizes awaited the new pope in the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber where he would dress after election. The Vatican Museums closed the chapel to tourists on April 28 to facilitate these arrangements.
Pre-conclave gatherings
From April 22 to May 6, the College of Cardinals held 12 general congregations to discuss Church issues and logistics. Topics included clerical sexual abuse, evangelization challenges, and Vatican finances. Conservative cardinals like Gerhard Müller were vocal, while others emphasized synodality, a theme of Francis’s papacy. Over 70 formal speeches were delivered, with 180 cardinals present by the final meeting.
The fifth congregation on April 28 set the conclave’s start date for May 7, 16 days after Francis’s death. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, was chosen to celebrate the opening Mass, “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice,” in St. Peter’s Basilica. The meetings allowed cardinals to “suss each other out,” as one veteran described, fostering informal discussions over meals in Rome’s restaurants.
Secrecy and tradition
The conclave’s secrecy was enforced through oaths and strict protocols. Each cardinal swore to maintain confidentiality, risking excommunication for leaks. The “extra omnes” proclamation by Archbishop Diego Ravelli cleared the chapel of non-electors, marking the start of voting. Support staff, including sacristans and medical personnel, also took secrecy oaths on May 5.
The term “conclave,” meaning “locked with key,” stems from the 13th-century election of Gregory X, when cardinals were confined to expedite a decision. Modern conclaves no longer lock electors inside but maintain isolation through technology and security. The Vatican Gendarmerie, led by Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, guarded against threats like drones and AI-driven espionage.
Historical voting patterns
Recent conclaves have been swift, with the last three popes elected in two or three days:
- 2013: Pope Francis, five ballots over two days.
- 2005: Pope Benedict XVI, four ballots over two days.
- 1978: Pope John Paul II, eight ballots over three days.
The 2025 conclave’s two-day duration aligns with this trend. The shortest recorded conclave, in 1503, elected Pope Pius III in 10 hours, while the longest, from 1268 to 1271, lasted nearly three years. Since 1831, no conclave has exceeded four days, reflecting modern pressures for efficiency.
Public anticipation
St. Peter’s Square became a focal point for Catholics and curious onlookers. On Wednesday, black smoke drew groans, but Thursday’s white smoke sparked cheers. Pilgrims like Ceci Triska from Texas described a “quiet anticipation” before the final vote. School groups and clergy mingled with tourists, some watching live streams on phones. Seagulls perched on the chimney added a lighthearted touch, inspiring puns like “birds-eye pew” among reporters.
The Vatican estimated 140,000 people lined Rome’s streets during Pope Francis’s funeral procession on April 26, indicating the global interest in the papacy. Thursday’s crowd, though smaller, remained vibrant, with many staying for the new pope’s balcony appearance. The event coincided with the 2025 Holy Year, drawing additional pilgrims to Rome.
Papal transition rituals
After the election, the new pope was asked by the Cardinal Dean, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chose a papal name and donned vestments in the Room of Tears, named for the emotional weight of the moment. Three sizes of cassocks, recycled from past conclaves, were ready. The cardinal electors then pledged obedience, and thanks were given to God.
The Cardinal Proto-Deacon, expected to be Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, would proclaim “Habemus papam” from the balcony, announcing the pope’s identity and name. The new pontiff would deliver the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi, addressing the city and the world. Within days, he would take possession of the Patriarchal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, completing the transition.
Global Church representation
The conclave’s diversity highlighted the Church’s global reach. Cardinals from 15 nations, including first-time electors from Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste, brought varied perspectives. The strong Asian presence, with 23 electors, fueled speculation about a non-European pope, such as Luis Antonio Tagle or Pablo Virgilio David from the Philippines. Africa’s 18 electors, led by figures like Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, also drew attention.
The lack of a clear frontrunner reflected the Church’s divisions, with some cardinals favoring Francis’s reformist path and others seeking a conservative shift. The new pope would inherit a Church navigating issues like sexual abuse scandals, declining vocations in the West, and growing membership in Africa and Asia. The conclave’s outcome was seen as pivotal for addressing these challenges
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