A new chapter has begun in the history of the Catholic Church as white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signaling the election of the 267th pope — the spiritual leader for over 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe.
Cheers erupted and church bells rang throughout St. Peter’s Square as pilgrims, tourists, and the faithful gathered in anticipation of the age-old announcement: Habemus Papam — “We have a pope.”
The identity of the new pontiff remains under wraps for now, but all eyes have turned toward the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected pope will soon appear, donning his papal white cassock and addressing the world for the first time with the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
The election follows the death of Pope Francis last month, closing the 12-year reign of the Argentine reformer who championed social justice, environmental care, and outreach to the marginalized — but who also faced criticism from traditionalists and internal divisions within the Church.
This historic conclave was the largest ever assembled, with 133 cardinals — “Princes of the Church” — from 70 countries casting ballots behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel. Their deliberations, held in deep secrecy under threat of excommunication, took just over 24 hours. After two rounds of black smoke signaled inconclusive votes, white smoke finally billowed shortly after 6:00 PM local time, confirming consensus.
As per tradition, the new pontiff retreated briefly into the "Room of Tears" — an antechamber where popes gather themselves emotionally before facing the world — before returning to the chapel to receive the pledge of obedience from fellow cardinals.
The new pope’s selection comes at a critical juncture for the Church and the world. From global wars and rising nationalism to internal struggles over declining vocations and ongoing abuse scandals, the next Holy Father faces mounting challenges.
Observers speculate whether the cardinals leaned toward a pastoral figure or a seasoned diplomat — a reformer in Francis’ mold or a more doctrinal conservative. Although more than 80% of the electors were appointed by Francis, the conclave’s outcome wasn’t guaranteed to follow his vision.
The pope's official inauguration Mass is expected to take place within the week, attended by global dignitaries and religious leaders. Until then, the faithful wait with bated breath to meet the man chosen to shepherd the Church through this new era.
AFP