New Pope selected: White smoke rises over Vatican's Sistine Chapel chimney

The Vatican has announced that a new pope has been elected after white smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday. The election, which took place on the second day of voting, was a significant moment for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

The 133 cardinals who participated in the conclave reached a decision. However, the identity of the new pontiff remains under wraps until the traditional announcement is made from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the white smoke signaled that at least 89 votes, or a two-thirds majority, were secured by the chosen candidate.

The official name of the new pope will be revealed when a cardinal steps forward to announce the words “Habemus papam!” (We have a pope!) and reads the winner's birth name in Latin, along with the name the new pope has chosen to be known by.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square included school groups, pilgrims, and media crews from across the globe.

Watch live: Newly elected pope to greet crowds from balcony

First ballot

The conclave opened Wednesday afternoon with a theatrical display of red cassocks, Latin chants, and Swiss Guards before the Sistine Chapel doors were sealed. That night, black smoke emerged from the chimney just after 9 pm, prompting questions about the delay.

The voting ritual

The conclave follows a meticulously prescribed process. Each cardinal writes his chosen candidate’s name on a ballot marked with the words “Eligo in summen pontificem” — “I elect as supreme pontiff.” The cardinal swears an oath before God and places his ballot in a silver and gold urn.

Three cardinals, selected at random, serve as scrutineers. They open and read the ballots aloud, pierce each with a needle through the word “Eligo,” and bind them with thread. The results are verified, recorded, and then burned with chemicals to create the smoke signals that alert the world.

Spotlight on top contenders

The centuries-old ritual began on Wednesday afternoon with a striking display of tradition: cardinals in red cassocks, Swiss Guards at attention, and solemn Latin prayers, followed by the dramatic closing of the Sistine Chapel doors.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican’s secretary of state, led proceedings as the most senior cardinal under age 80. His name has featured prominently on papal shortlists.