New pope elected: White smoke signals celebration at Vatican
"Clima de fiesta" - reports Vaticanist Elisabetta Piqué. Euphoria fills St. Peter's Square as crowds of believers gather and rejoice.
What should you know?
- White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel, indicating the election of a new pope by the cardinals.
- The new pope proceeded to the Room of Tears, where he donned the appropriate vestments.
- In St. Peter's Square, crowds are gathering, eagerly awaiting the new pope.
Watch the live broadcast from the Vatican.
"Fiesta after the white smoke," describes Piqué, who posted a video from the Vatican showcasing the celebrations following the election of the new pope.
White smoke, which appeared above the Sistine Chapel, signifies that the cardinals have chosen a new pope. Following the afternoon voting, the Vatican bells announced this joyful news.
Election of the new pope
After accepting the election, the new pope went to the Room of Tears, where the appropriate vestments awaited him. The choice of a name by the new pope often carries an important message and reflects the values he intends to embody. After a moment of prayer in the Pauline Chapel, the cardinal-electors pay tribute and obedience to the new pope.
From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the cardinal proto-deacon, currently Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, will announce to the world: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!", giving the first and last name of the new pope as well as the name he has chosen.
The previous pope, Francis, passed away on April 21, 2025, after several weeks of illness. His pontificate began on March 13, 2013.
