The Roman Catholic Church has a new spiritual leader. White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today, signalling the successful election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals.
The historic announcement follows two days of intense deliberations in a secret conclave involving 133 cardinal electors.
At least 89 votes were required to select the 267th pope, who will now lead over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
The identity of the new pontiff has yet to be formally revealed. Traditionally, the cardinal protodeacon will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”), followed by the pope’s first public blessing.
This conclave was convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
His 12-year papacy was known for efforts to modernise the Church and address global inequality, climate change, and internal reform.
Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the white smoke signalled a new era for the Catholic Church.
