The election of a new pope has been confirmed by white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The announcement, witnessed by a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, signals the conclusion of the conclave. Cardinal Mamberti is expected to announce the new pope’s name in Latin from the basilica balcony, followed by the pope’s own address. The selection was made by 133 cardinals, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Following two days of voting by 133 cardinals, white smoke has signaled the election of a new Pope. The successor to Pope Francis will be revealed shortly on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected Pontiff will announce his papal name. The election process, requiring a two-thirds majority, involved multiple ballots, with black smoke initially indicating a lack of consensus. This conclave, while shrouded in secrecy, mirrors past processes, though shorter than some historical examples.
Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled the failure to elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave. Cardinals will continue voting in a series of secret ballots until a successor to Pope Francis is chosen. The conclave, marked by secrecy and the absence of a clear frontrunner, pits those favoring continued reform against those seeking a more traditional papacy. Potential candidates include Cardinals Tagle, Prevost, and Parolin, though Pope Francis’ changes to the College of Cardinals have introduced significant unpredictability. Voting will continue for several days, with a break for reflection if a pope isn’t selected by Sunday.
The conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7th. Over 180 cardinals, including more than 100 cardinal electors, have already arrived in Rome for the process. While 135 cardinals are eligible to vote, at least one has withdrawn due to health concerns, and another’s eligibility remains uncertain. Daily congregations are continuing to discuss church matters and prepare for the election, which requires a two-thirds majority vote from the cardinals present. The upcoming conclave will be particularly diverse, reflecting Pope Francis’ appointments during his papacy.
John Q. Hosedrinker