Historic Moment at the Vatican
On May 8, 2025, the world witnessed a momentous event as white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope by the 133 cardinal electors gathered inside. This age-old tradition, steeped in centuries of Catholic history, marks the selection of the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
The announcement was met with jubilant cheers from thousands of faithful assembled in St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by the ringing of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica, underscoring the profound significance of the occasion.
The Election Process and Secrecy
The conclave began on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, a two-thirds majority-at least 89 votes-was required for a candidate to be elected pope.
The voting proceeded through multiple rounds, with black smoke signaling inconclusive ballots and white smoke indicating success. The new pope was chosen after the third round of voting on the second day of the conclave, confirming the consensus among the cardinal electors.
The conclave is conducted under strict secrecy. The Sistine Chapel is completely sealed off, and all cardinals, along with Vatican staff involved in the process, take lifelong oaths of confidentiality. Even those performing auxiliary roles, such as elevator operators and florists, swear to maintain secrecy. The chimney used to release the smoke is stored in the attic of the Sistine Chapel before being installed on the roof for the conclave.
Announcement and Public Reaction
Following the appearance of the white smoke, the cardinal protodeacon stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the Latin phrase, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!”). This declaration was followed by the announcement of the new pope’s birth name and the papal name he has chosen. The new pontiff then made his first public appearance, imparting an apostolic blessing to the crowd gathered below.
Thousands of people in Vatican Square erupted in cheers, some waving flags and holding banners, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church. The election was widely covered by global media, with live updates capturing the tension and excitement as the conclave unfolded.
Cardinal Peter Turkson’s Role and Papabile Status
Among the cardinal electors was Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian prelate with a long history of service in the Vatican. At 76, Turkson is one of the most experienced electors, having participated in two previous conclaves and serving in key Vatican roles such as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Turkson has been considered a strong papabile-a candidate deemed capable of becoming pope-due to his diplomatic skills, commitment to social justice, and global perspective. His presence in the conclave added to the anticipation surrounding the election, reflecting the Church’s increasing attention to voices from Africa and the Global South.
The newly elected pope faces a world grappling with complex challenges, including climate change, social inequality, and geopolitical tensions. The conclave’s decision sets the stage for the Church’s future direction, with hopes that the new pontiff will continue to advocate for peace, justice, and spiritual renewal.
As the Catholic community worldwide embraces the new leader, the conclave’s conclusion reaffirms the enduring traditions and spiritual significance of the papal election process, a beacon of faith and continuity for over two millennia.
