White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling the election of a new pope and igniting jubilation across St. Peter’s Square.
The smoke, a centuries-old tradition, confirmed that the conclave of cardinals had successfully chosen a successor to the late Pope Francis. Thousands of people gathered in the square erupted into cheers, chants, and prayers the moment the plume appeared.
Church bells began ringing loudly, echoing through the ancient city as people waved flags, embraced, and looked to the iconic balcony where the new pontiff is expected to make his first appearance within the hour.
According to tradition, a senior cardinal will soon declare “Habemus Papam”—Latin for “We have a Pope”—and reveal the new pope’s name and chosen papal title.
Among the crowd, emotions ran high. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said a Greek couple, their faces lit with awe. Pilgrims from around the world joined in spontaneous songs, with many falling to their knees in prayer or shedding tears of joy.
Speculation is rife about who the new leader of the Catholic Church might be. All eyes are now on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the historic unveiling.
