A wave of jubilation swept through St Peter’s Square today as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals.
The ancient ritual, steeped in tradition, marked the successful conclusion of the papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. As the smoke rose into the Roman sky, thousands gathered below erupted into cheers, prayers, and chants of “Viva il Papa!” — “Long live the Pope!”
The identity of the new pontiff remains undisclosed for now, but the Vatican has confirmed that the pope-elect is currently donning the traditional white robes in the “Room of Tears,” adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. Within the hour, the senior cardinal will make the formal announcement from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica with the iconic phrase, “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”
Among the crowd were pilgrims, tourists, and clergy from around the world, many overcome with emotion. A couple visiting from Greece described the moment as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” pledging to wait for the new pope’s first public appearance and blessing.
A brass band stationed under the basilica balcony played hymns as the anticipation built, echoing through the packed square. The atmosphere was one of reverence and celebration, as the Catholic faithful stood on the threshold of a new papal era — waiting to welcome their next spiritual shepherd.
