In a moment that will be etched in history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, succeeding Pope Francis. This announcement brings with it immense excitement within the Catholic community and beyond, as the world awaits the new leader’s vision and direction for the Church.
The pivotal moment arrived shortly after 4 PM GMT when the iconic white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, a traditional signal that a new pope has been elected. The crowd in St. Peter's Square burst into cheers and applause, the sound resonating throughout the ancient heart of the Vatican. The cheers could be heard for blocks as people from all walks of life gathered with a sense of anticipation and joy.
The congregation of about 133 cardinals had entered a conclave to cast their votes, a sacred process that ultimately determined the future leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The conclave took only two days, culminating in a third round of voting that secured the necessary majority for Cardinal Prevost. The news of white smoke, an age-old tradition representing a successful election, was heralded by the ringing of the Basilica's bells, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
In the minutes following the smoke’s emergence, the excitement in St. Peter’s Square intensified. Thousands had gathered near the Via della Conciliazione, waving flags and sharing smiles as they awaited the formal announcement. The energy was palpable as children perched on their parents' shoulders, and joyful spectators chanted hymns and prayers, filling the air with devotion and exuberance.
The process leading to this moment is steeped in tradition. After achieving the required votes — a total of at least 89 — the senior cardinal approached the new pope-elect and asked the critical question: “Do you accept your canonical election as supreme pontiff?” Once Cardinal Prevost accepted, he was then invited to choose the name by which he would be known. This exchange is steeped in profound significance, marking the transition from cardinal to the supreme leader of the Catholic Church.
As tradition dictates, the next step involves the cardinal electors paying homage to the newly selected pope, pledging their obedience and respect as the Church prepares to welcome its new leader. Following this, the new pope is escorted to the sacristy, where he is fitted for the papal attire, an essential symbol of his new role.
The excitement peaked with the announcement that Cardinal Prevost had chosen his papal name. Soon after, a top cardinal stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, poised to announce to the world, “Habemus Papam!" — Latin for "We have a pope!" The masses below erupted in thunderous applause as the cardinal announced the name of the new pope, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
As the inaugural address approached, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square turned reverent. The crowd, having gathered in eager anticipation, silenced in respect. It is here that the new pope would connect with the faithful for the first time, delivering not only his blessings but also a message of hope and unity in a world often fragmented by challenges and division.
The new pope emerges, adorned in the white papal robe and equipped with the papal staff, a symbol of his commitment to service and leadership. As he steps onto the balcony, the cheers erupt anew, a heartfelt serenade affirming the solidarity of those gathered below.
Cardinal Prevost, with humility and grace, addresses the gathered crowd, acknowledging the legacy of his predecessor while outlining his aspirations for this new phase of the Church’s journey.
Speaking in a clear and resonant voice, he emphasizes themes of compassion, outreach, and the need for the Church to engage with the contemporary world. His message of unity and reconciliation resonates deeply, especially within a time marked by uncertainty and division. “We must open our hearts to the needs of the world and extend our hands to those who suffer,” he implores, reinforcing the call for the Church to be an active force for good amidst turmoil.
As he imparts his first apostolic blessing, the atmosphere transforms into one of reverence and prayer. The faithful below, inspired by the new direction set forth by Pope Prevost, bow their heads, seeking solace and guidance. With arms raised in blessing, the new pope speaks to the hopes and prayers of millions, a reminder of the unifying power of faith in times of change.
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In the aftermath of this historic election, the excitement continues to permeate throughout Rome and beyond. Many are already speculating about the new pope's priorities and initiatives, eager to hear more about his vision for the Church in the coming days and years. As the bells of St. Peter's Basilica ring out, echoing the news across the city and the world, a renewed sense of hope and possibility envelops the faithful.
The conclave of 2025, now under the guidance of Pope Prevost, stands as a pivotal moment, not just for the Catholic Church but for all those who look to its leadership for inspiration and direction. As the smoke cleared and the cheers of the faithful filled the air, one fact became overwhelmingly clear: a new chapter has begun in the life of the Church, one filled with the promise of renewal and the potential for profound impact on a global scale.Identity of new pope revealed as US cardinal Prevost
The identity of the new pope has been revealed as US-born Robert Francis Prevost.
He will now deliver his first public address and blessing to the gathered crowds in St Peter's Square.
Catholic cardinals agreed on a pope on the second day of voting. The announcement of the election of the new pope was first made known with white smoke that emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
A third voting by the Cardinals was what resulted in the election of the new Pope.
The 133 cardinals who elected Pope Francis's successor were locked in the Sistine Chapel, their only method of communication with the outside world was signals from its chimney.
A few minutes after 4pm (GMT), white smoke emerged from the Chimney.
The pouring out of the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church was greeted with cheers, applause and the sounding of the bell.
That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers.
The name will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner’s birth name in Latin, and reveals the name he has chosen to be called.
The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia.
Then the new pope himself will appear and address the crowd.
Rome is brimming with excitement, as thousands gather near the Via della Conciliazione to be present for the historic moment when the new pope is announced and presented to the world.
CONCLAVE 2025 The conclave to choose a new pope continues. Here's what you need to know While the world's 1.4 billion Catholics await the emergence of the new leader of their church on the famous loggia, a series of rituals are taking place.
Once a successful vote is complete, the most senior cardinal asks the newly elected pope, "Do you accept your canonical election as supreme pontiff?"
After he accepts, he is then asked, "What name do you wish to be called?"
The cardinal electors then pay homage and pledge obedience to the new head of the church, and thanks are given to God while the new pope is taken into a sacristy and fitted with papal attire.
Finally, the pronouncement is made in Latin — "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!") — and the new pope gives an apostolic blessing to throngs of faithful.
VATICAN CITY — White smoke streamed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the 133 Roman Catholic cardinals inside have elected a new pope.
A roar erupted from the crowd when they saw the white smoke billow from the chimney, which is shown on several large screens in St. Peter's Square. At the same time, the enormous bells of St. Peter's Basilica began to ring, tolling the news that the Catholic Church has a new pope. The crowd continues to build as many carry their countries' flags.