White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that a new pope has been chosen to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Cheers and applause erupted from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square as the smoke appeared and bells rang out, marking the election of the 267th pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
Attention now shifts to the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, where the identity of the new pope will be revealed following the death of Pope Francis last month after 12 years of service.
The newly elected pope will be presented in Latin with his chosen papal name before addressing the world for the first time.
He inherits a significant responsibility — asserting a moral stance in a divided global landscape while also confronting internal Church challenges such as the ongoing fallout from the sexual abuse crisis and managing Vatican finances.
The conclave, made up of 133 cardinals — the largest ever — began voting on Wednesday afternoon.
Under strict secrecy rules, with excommunication as the penalty for breaches, the only way to communicate the result was via smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel.
On Wednesday evening and again Thursday at midday, black smoke appeared, disappointing those waiting. But shortly after 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Thursday, white smoke confirmed the selection of a new spiritual leader.
Tradition dictates that the pope enters the Room of Tears, a private space where he reflects and dresses in papal attire for the first time. He then returns to the chapel, where the cardinals formally pledge their obedience.
The new pope will soon appear on the balcony alongside a senior cardinal who will declare “Habemus Papem” (“We have a pope”), followed by the pope’s first speech and his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the world.
Pastor or Diplomat?
This election comes at a moment of geopolitical instability, which influenced the cardinals’ decision, along with internal Church divisions.
Francis was a progressive figure who emphasized issues such as immigration and environmental justice, though he drew criticism from conservatives for departing from doctrinal traditions.
Roughly 80% of the voting cardinals were appointed by Francis, creating the most internationally diverse conclave in history, with members from 70 countries.
Still, that did not ensure a successor aligned with his views.
The cardinals had to decide whether to select a diplomatic figure or a pastoral one, a liberal or conservative, or someone well-versed in the Church’s bureaucracy versus a candidate from growing Catholic regions.
Before deliberations began, Dean Giovanni Battista Re encouraged cardinals to choose someone capable of maintaining the Church’s unity.
The incoming pope must be equipped to lead during what is widely seen as a pivotal and complex moment, with numerous global conflicts and the rise of nationalist ideologies.
The Church also faces struggles in adjusting to modernity, as Western nations see fewer priests and declining church attendance.
The formal inauguration is expected within the next week and includes a mass attended by global political and religious leaders.
The new pope is also expected to greet the faithful in St. Peter’s Square aboard the popemobile and deliver a homily outlining his mission.(AFP)
What you should know
The Vatican has announced the election of a new pope, chosen amid pressing global and internal Church challenges. His identity will soon be revealed, ushering in a new era of Catholic leadership.
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