White Smoke Signals Election of New Pope on Second Day of Conclave
On May 8, 2025, at approximately 6:07 p.m. CEST, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of the 267th pope by the College of Cardinals. This historic moment occurred on the second day of the conclave, following four rounds of voting, and was met with jubilant cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square The conclave was convened after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. A total of 133 cardinal electors participated in the secretive voting process, requiring a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes—to elect the new pontiff . As per tradition, the identity of the newly elected pope will be announced shortly from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the Latin proclamation "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"). The new pope will then […]
