Vatican City — The centuries-old ritual unfolded once more today in the heart of Christendom, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the faithful across the globe: Habemus Papam — we have a Pope.
At 6:47 p.m. Rome time, pilgrims erupted into joyful cheers in St. Peter’s Square as the unmistakable plume marked the successful conclusion of the conclave, where 133 Cardinal electors gathered to choose the 267th successor to St. Peter.
The sacred and secretive proceedings inside the Sistine Chapel culminated in the acceptance of the newly elected Pope. In accordance with the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and Universi Dominici Gregis, the senior Cardinal Elector posed the canonical question in Latin: “Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?” The chosen Cardinal answered affirmatively and revealed the papal name by which he will now be known.
Once this declaration was made, ceremonial officers documented the acceptance, and the ballots were burned. The resulting white smoke rose into the Roman sky, confirming to the world the election of the new Bishop of Rome.
The new Pope then withdrew to the adjoining Room of Tears, where he donned the papal vestments, selected from three sizes prepared in advance. After a moment of private prayer, he returned to the Sistine Chapel for a brief but profound liturgical rite. Senior Cardinals read from the Gospels, prayed over him, and pledged their obedience one by one, followed by the singing of the traditional Te Deum hymn in thanksgiving.
Before stepping into the global spotlight, the new Pontiff paused in silent prayer in the Pauline Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking divine guidance for the weighty mission now resting on his shoulders.
Moments later, French Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared on the Loggia of Blessings above St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaimed to the world:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
As the massive doors opened, the new Pope emerged onto the balcony to greet a cheering, tearful crowd and deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing — to the city and to the world.
The identity of the new Pope, his chosen name, and the first words of his papacy now mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s long history.