In a moment of profound significance for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, signaling that the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new pope, Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, Illinois. He has chosen the name of Leo XIV.
After days of secret deliberations inside the frescoed walls of the chapel, the ancient phrase “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope” — will soon echo from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the identity of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church is officially announced.
The white smoke, a potent symbol of consensus among the 133 cardinal-electors, sent a wave of jubilation through the thousands assembled in St. Peter’s Square. Bells from the towering basilica rang out in celebration, their joyful peals cutting through the Roman afternoon air. Pilgrims, tourists, clergy, and curious onlookers burst into cheers and applause, many weeping or embracing strangers in shared elation.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Roseleia Cordeiro, 42, from Brazil, wiping tears as she hugged fellow pilgrims. “It’s a privilege to witness this holy moment with my own eyes. I feel blessed.”
The election followed a second day of intense voting within the conclave, a solemn and secretive process cloaked in centuries-old tradition. The cardinals, representing every corner of the Catholic world, were locked away in the Sistine Chapel under strict isolation, forbidden from communicating with the outside world as they deliberated on who should succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
Inside the cloistered Vatican, preparations are now underway for the new pontiff’s first public appearance. Following a brief period of prayer and reflection, the pope-elect will choose a papal name — a decision that often signals his spiritual priorities and the tone of his papacy. He will then don the white papal vestments and the ceremonial Fisherman’s Ring before being led to the Loggia of the Blessings, the central balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, will officially proclaim his election to the world.
For many Catholics, this moment of transition carries hope for the future of the church, especially as its demographic center shifts increasingly to the Global South. “We need a pope who understands the struggles of Catholics outside Europe,” said Father Piere Domerson, a priest from Haiti studying in Rome. “I pray this new leader embraces the universality of the church, like Pope Francis did.”
Watch live coverage as the new pope is set to be announced and speak to the faithful:
Going to say it. Wrong Pope selected. Look at his tweets. @roccopalmo
Jesus save us.