¡Habemus Papam! This Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:09 PM (Italy time), the chimney of the Sistine Chapel emitted the anticipated white smoke, the official signal that the 133 cardinals gathered in conclave have elected the new Pope, the successor of Francis.
The news was immediately confirmed by the official account @VaticanNews on X, generating global anticipation. The name of the new pontiff has not yet been publicly announced, but he is expected to appear shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
A new chapter for the Catholic Church
After two votes without consensus (black smoke), finally on Thursday the required two-thirds majority was achieved to elect the new spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
According to the protocol, once selected, the winner must accept the election and decide on the papal name they will adopt. Then, the protodeacon cardinal appears on the balcony to proclaim the traditional “Habemus Papam” before the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
It is expected that in the coming hours, the identity of the new pope and his first message to the world will be revealed. The announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, which is facing significant contemporary challenges regarding human rights, migration, the environment, and an internal credibility crisis.
The election of a Pope: from the white smoke to "Habemus Papam"
When the white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the world knows that there is a new Pope. However, behind that symbolic moment lies a precise and solemn protocol, marked by centuries of tradition and liturgy.
The rite of acceptance
According to the official site of the Vatican, once a cardinal achieves the necessary two-thirds in the voting, the oldest cardinal by rank and age —or the next in line if he himself was elected— approaches the chosen one and asks him, in Latin:
"Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"
If you accept, a second question will be posed to you:
"What name would you like to be called?"
The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, along with two ceremonial assistants as witnesses, drafts the official document of acceptance for the new Pope and his new name.
The white smoke and the Hall of Tears
Once the ritual is complete, the ballots and documents related to the election are burned. The resulting white smoke announces to the world the election of the new Pontiff.
The new Pope then enters the so-called "Room of Tears," where he dresses for the first time in papal garments (three sizes are prepared) and dedicates a few minutes to prayer.
First ceremony and greeting in the Sistine Chapel
Back at the Sistine Chapel, a brief ceremony takes place: the cardinal bishop greets the new Pope. Then, the cardinal presbyter reads a passage from the Gospel, such as “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” The protodeacon raises a prayer for the new successor of Peter.
Afterwards, all the cardinal electors approach, in order of precedence, to pledge obedience to the new Pontiff, and the Te Deum is sung as a hymn of thanksgiving.
Prayer in the Paulina Chapel and announcement to the world
Before appearing in public, the new Pope prays silently before the Blessed Sacrament in the Pauline Chapel.
Finally, the protodeacon cardinal Dominique Mamberti steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica (the Loggia of the Blessings) and proclaims: "I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"
"I am announcing great joy: we have a Pope!"
The new Pontiff appears, addresses his first words to the world, and offers his first apostolic blessing "Urbi et Orbi" —to the city and to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Election of the New Pope in 2025
Why is white smoke produced in the Vatican?
The white smoke is the signal that a new Pope has been chosen in the conclave. When the 133 cardinals gathered reach a consensus of at least two-thirds, a special mixture is burned that produces white smoke, announcing to the world that there is a new leader of the Catholic Church.
How long does the conclave last to elect a new Pope?
The conclave can last from a couple of days to several weeks. In this case, it began on May 7, 2025, and after two days of deliberation, the election of the new Pope was announced on May 8. The process continues until a two-thirds consensus is reached among the cardinals.
What challenges does the new Pope of the Catholic Church face?
The new Pope faces significant contemporary challenges such as human rights, migration, the environment, and the internal crisis of credibility within the Church. These issues are crucial for the Church in a changing global context and require strong and visionary leadership.
What expectations does the Cuban Church have regarding the new Pope?
The Cuban Church, represented by Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, hopes that the new Pope will continue the legacy of Pope Francis, especially in terms of synodality and closeness to the faithful. Cardinal García hopes that the new pontiff will be a mystical, missionary, and charitable man, who will continue to promote peace and unity within the Church.
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