Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — In a historic moment watched by millions around the world, the Catholic Church has elected a new pope, marking the conclusion of a swift two-day conclave in the Sistine Chapel.
At approximately 6:10 PM local time, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority to select the 267th pontiff. Moments later, the iconic words “Habemus Papam” rang out from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, heralding the beginning of a new papal era.
Though the identity of the new pope was not immediately confirmed at press time, early reports from Vatican insiders suggest the newly elected pontiff is known for his pastoral focus and moderate stance on key theological and social issues. The announcement and first appearance were greeted by thunderous applause from tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
This conclave was notably brief, echoing the elections of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013, both of which lasted only two days. The efficiency reflects a strong consensus among the 120 cardinal-electors, who convened under intense global scrutiny to choose a leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
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The new pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads—facing challenges ranging from declining participation in the West to growing influence in the Global South, as well as ongoing debates surrounding clerical reform, climate action, and modern social issues.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, the faithful rejoiced and prayed in anticipation of what many hope will be a unifying and transformative papacy.
More updates will follow as details on the new pope’s background, vision, and first papal message become available.