White Smoke Rises from Sistine Chapel, Confirming Election of a New Pope

VATICAN CITY, May 8, 2025 – White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:10 p.m. Rome time (9:40 p.m. IST) today with the church bells ringing, signaling the successful conclusion of the third ballot on the second day of the papal conclave. The 133 cardinal electors reached a two-thirds majority, electing a new pope, now the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pilgrims and visitors in St. Peter’s Square erupted in joy upon seeing the white smoke, a traditional sign that a new pontiff has been chosen. Many had waited for hours in prayer and anticipation.

The identity of the cardinal who has been elected as the new pope will be revealed shortly. Later, the newly elected pope will make his first public appearance shortly on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to the faithful gathered below.

Reported by Catholic Connect