BREAKING NEWS: White Smoke Rises: The World Awaits New Pope as Conclave Reaches Decision
The centuries-old ritual of selecting a new pope has reached its climax as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at exactly 7:10 PM East Africa Time (6:10 PM Rome time), signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The dramatic moment, greeted with cheers and applause from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, came after several rounds of voting since the papal conclave began following the resignation/death [update depending on context] of Pope Francis.
Bells from St. Peter’s Basilica began to toll moments after the smoke rose, confirming the successful election.
As is tradition, the identity of the new pope has not yet been revealed. Vatican officials are expected to announce “Habemus Papam”, Latin for “We have a Pope”, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected pontiff will make his first appearance to the world.
The conclave, held under strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, brought together 120 cardinal electors from around the globe.
The emergence of white smoke followed the casting of at least two-thirds of the votes (minimum 80) in favor of one candidate, according to established Church procedures.
As the Vatican prepares for the grand moment of introduction, faithful Catholics, media, and global leaders alike await the name, background, and first words of the new spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Speculation over the past few days has centered on several papabili, potential frontrunners, from various regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia, reflecting the Church’s growing diversity and global reach.
In the coming minutes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (or other, depending on current title holder), is expected to appear at the central balcony and announce the new pontiff with the historic words: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
Then, the new pope will emerge, dressed in papal white, to offer his first Urbi et Orbi blessing, “to the city and to the world.”
This pivotal moment in Catholic history signals the beginning of a new era of leadership, faith, and guidance for the global Church.
