Habemus Papam! White Smoke Signals Election of New Pope

Habemus Papam! White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:10 p.m. Rome time (9:40 p.m. IST) today, marking the successful election of a new pope — the 267th successor of St. Peter and spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The joyful pealing of the bells from St. Peter’s Basilica confirmed that the 133 cardinal electors, sequestered in conclave since Wednesday, had reached a two-thirds majority during the third ballot on the second day of voting.

Cheers and prayers filled St. Peter’s Square as thousands of pilgrims and visitors witnessed the traditional sign of white smoke, indicating that the Church has a new leader. Many had waited for hours in prayerful anticipation of this historic moment.

The identity of the newly elected pope will be revealed shortly by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, who will step onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica — the Loggia of the Blessings — to make the formal announcement: “Habemus Papam” ("We have a pope").

Inside the Vatican, the new pontiff is preparing to choose his papal name — a symbolic act that often reflects the mission and spirit of his upcoming papacy. He will then don the traditional white cassock and the ceremonial Fisherman’s Ring before appearing before the world.

In his first public appearance, the new pope will deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the city and to the world” — addressing the faithful gathered in the square and the millions watching around the globe.