New pope elected: White smoke signals joy in St. Peter's Square
"Clima de fiesta" - reports Vaticanist Elisabetta Pique. There is euphoria in St. Peter's Square. Crowds of believers are gathering and rejoicing.
What do you need to know?
- White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel, indicating the election of a new pope by the cardinals.
- The new pope went to the Room of Tears where he donned the appropriate vestments.
- In St. Peter's Square, crowds are gathering, waiting for the new pope.
Watch the live broadcast from the Vatican.
"Fiesta after the white smoke" - describes Pique, who posted a recording from the Vatican, showing crowds celebrating 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
The new pope, after accepting the election, 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 refers to the values he intends to represent. After a moment of prayer in the Pauline Chapel, the cardinal-electors pay tribute and obedience to the new pope.
On the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the cardinal proto-deacon, currently Card. 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 21 April 2025 after several weeks of illness. His pontificate lasted from 13 March 2013.
