White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday, signaling the successful election of a new pope.
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the traditional sign appeared just after the cardinal electors reached a two-thirds majority during their deliberations inside the Vatican.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first-ever American pope, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is expected to emerge on the Vatican balcony and address the crowd.
The conclave followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, prompting the first papal election since 2013.
What We Know
A new pope was selected after a two-day conclave. The white smoke is created by burning the ballots from a successful vote using a chemical mix that ensures it is distinctly visible to those watching in the square and around the world.
The identity of the pope is formally announced later during a ceremony on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, when a cardinal traditionally states, “Habemus Papam!” which translates from Latin as, “We have a pope!”
When Was the New Pope Selected?
The Sistine Chapel emitted white smoke at 6:09 p.m. local time on May 8. Moments later, bells rang out from St. Peter’s Basilica, affirming the result.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave. The first vote, which took place the previous evening, was inconclusive and produced black smoke. The successful vote occurred in the evening session. Modern conclaves typically last between one and five days.
What Does ‘Habemus Papam’ Mean?
“Habemus Papam” translates from Latin to “We have a pope.” It is part of a formal proclamation by the cardinal protodeacon following the papal election.
Traditionally, the Cardinal Protodeacon delivers the announcement in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum [first name], Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem [last name], qui sibi nomen imposuit [papal name].”
In English, this translates to: “I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope! The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord [first name], cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [last name], who has taken the name [papal name].”
The ritual is delivered in Latin, maintaining a centuries-old papal tradition. After the announcement, the new pontiff is expected to step onto the balcony to deliver his first apostolic blessing to the crowd and the world.
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