Historic Moment: White Smoke from Sistine Chapel Confirms New Pope Elected!

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The air was electric as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the cardinals had chosen a new pope on the second day of their conclave. St. Peter’s Basilica rang with jubilant bells while thousands in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, waving flags and shouting “Viva il papa!”

To be elected pope, a candidate must secure at least 89 votes from the 133 cardinals. Soon, a cardinal will officially announce the winner with the phrase “Habemus Papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!” The new leader will then address the crowd from the basilica’s loggia.

Onlookers, including large school groups and pilgrims, eagerly awaited the news. Priscilla Parlante, a local Roman, remarked, “The wait is marvelous!” Meanwhile, Pedro Deget, a 22-year-old finance student from Argentina, reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, noting that he hopes the next pope will build on Francis’ openness while tackling more challenges within the Church.

Others had differing opinions. Rev. Jan Dominik Bogataj, a Slovene friar, voiced his support for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, citing him as a direct and intelligent leader. “He has clear ideas and is very agile,” he shared.

The first voting round did not yield a winner, as indicated by black smoke that appeared hours earlier, stirring speculation about the cardinals’ deliberations. Over the last century, conclaves have usually required multiple ballots — with popes often taking several rounds to be elected. In 1978, John Paul I was elected on the fourth ballot, while his successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Pope Francis was selected on the fifth ballot in 2013.

The conclave is steeped in tradition, with cardinals donning bright red cassocks and swearing oaths in a ritual that dates back centuries. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a prominent candidate, leads the proceedings and has even received what some interpret as a sign of support from fellow cardinals.

The Voting Process
Voting itself is methodical. Each cardinal writes their choice on a paper inscribed with “Eligo in summen pontificem” and presents it at the altar, calling Christ as their witness. Ballots are placed in a special urn and counted by selected cardinals. The results are meticulously recorded and secured for future reference.

The conclave tradition not only highlights the selection of a new pope; it also underscores the evolving role of the Church in modern society. Given the current sociopolitical landscape, this election carries the weight of global expectations. The new pope will likely face issues from climate change to modernity, much like those discussed during a recent meeting of global religious leaders.

As we await the introduction of the new pope, conversations continue around the qualities and direction the Church might take under his leadership. Given the rapid pace of change in the world today, it’s clear the selection of a new pope will be more than just a historical moment; it will reflect the hopes and concerns of millions worldwide.

For more detailed analysis, you can visit PBS News Hour for updates and insights as this story unfolds.

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