A new era has begun for the Roman Catholic Church as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling the election of a new pope.
After just two days of deliberations, the College of Cardinals reached the required two-thirds majority, making this one of the swiftest conclaves in recent history.
According to CNN, thousands of faithful erupted in applause in St. Peter’s Square as the plume of white smoke appeared shortly after noon local time. The iconic bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in confirmation, welcoming the Church’s 267th pontiff.
“This is a moment of great joy and spiritual renewal,” said Cardinal Giovanni Martelli, speaking to reporters near the square. “We are ready to follow the new Holy Father in unity and faith.”
The successful election followed a third round of voting on the second day of the conclave, an event closely watched by Catholics around the world. According to Vatican observers, only two other conclaves in modern history — those of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013 — have concluded this quickly.
Vatican expert Mountain Butorac shared insights into the logistics of the process. “The chimney that releases the smoke is usually stored in the Sistine Chapel attic before it is installed. It was put in place on May 2 this year,” he explained. “Everyone involved, from the cardinals to elevator operators and even florists, must swear an oath of secrecy.”
Earlier on Thursday, black smoke had emerged following an inconclusive morning vote. But by the afternoon session, cardinals had reached agreement.
More than 11,000 people gathered in the square, according to Italian police estimates. Among them was 34-year-old Lucia Rinaldi, a pilgrim from Naples. “We prayed the rosary while waiting,” she said. “When the white smoke came, we cried with joy.”
The identity of the new pope has yet to be announced, but speculation remains high, with Filipino Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David among the favorites.
The world now awaits the traditional appearance of the new pope on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will deliver his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi — “To the City and to the World.”
“It is a sacred and historic day,” Butorac added. “The Church has a shepherd once more.”
The Vatican is expected to officially reveal the name of the newly elected pontiff shortly.
