Habemus Papam: New Pope Elected, Name Yet to Be Announced
White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon, signaling to the world that the Catholic Church has chosen a new pope following the death of Pope Francis last month.
The College of Cardinals is expected to announce the name of the new pontiff shortly. He will then step out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first public appearance as the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
The election followed the start of the papal conclave on Wednesday and two inconclusive ballots earlier this morning. While it remains uncertain whether the decision came after four or five rounds of voting, the timeline is consistent with recent papal elections—Pope Benedict XVI was chosen in four rounds over two days in 2005, and Pope Francis was elected after five ballots in 2013.
What Happens Next
Following the election, the senior cardinal deacon will formally announce the new pope’s name to the public, declaring “Habemus Papam”—Latin for “We have a pope.” The newly elected pontiff will then offer a short address and bless the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. His official inauguration and first papal Mass will take place in the coming days.
Inside the Conclave
The election process follows centuries-old tradition. After a period of mourning for the deceased pope, the cardinals gather in strict secrecy to choose a successor. Voting takes place inside the Sistine Chapel, and after each round, ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates no decision has been reached; white smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Of the 135 eligible electors this year, 133 participated in the conclave after two withdrew due to health issues. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes if all 133 voted.
The cardinals are sequestered until a decision is made, in a tradition dating back to the 13th century, designed to eliminate external influence and encourage prayerful reflection. All personnel involved in the conclave take an oath of secrecy under penalty of automatic excommunication.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a 12-year papacy marked by humility, reform, and a deep focus on the marginalized.
He passed away at the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta, where he chose to live instead of the grand Apostolic Palace. Known for his simplicity, he continued to wear his old shoes, eschewed papal luxury, and adopted the name Francis in tribute to St. Francis of Assisi.
His teachings often highlighted compassion for refugees, economic inequality, and care for the environment. He was the first pope to incorporate scientific research into a major doctrinal document, placing climate change and stewardship of the Earth at the heart of his ministry. His inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals and his advocacy for migrant communities made him a transformative figure in the modern Church.
As the world awaits the new pope’s introduction, attention now turns to the future of the Catholic Church—shaped by continuity, reform, and the enduring influence of Pope Francis.
Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story came from a combination of Vatican announcements, Catholic Church procedures, historical records on papal conclaves, and biographical details about Pope Francis drawn from public sources such as the Vatican press office, previous papal encyclicals, and media coverage of his papacy.
