White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today, signaling to the world that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope. The moment, witnessed by thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions more watching around the globe, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pontiff, following the death of Pope Francis last month. He becomes the 267th pope in the history of the Church and now leads over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. The name he has chosen as pope is Pope Leo XIV

Cheers erupted in the square as the smoke turned white — the traditional sign that at least two-thirds of the cardinal electors have agreed on a successor. Minutes later, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in joyous confirmation.

This decision comes after several rounds of voting behind closed doors. The papal conclave began earlier this week with 133 cardinal electors participating from around the globe. On Wednesday and again on Thursday morning, black smoke rose from the chapel’s chimney — an indication that the cardinals had not yet reached consensus. Each appearance of the dark smoke drew quiet disappointment from the faithful gathered below, many of whom had waited for hours in prayerful silence.

Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals voted under the frescoed ceilings of Michelangelo, guided by tradition and prayer. After much deliberation, the white smoke this evening confirmed that a decision had been reached.

All eyes then turned to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, the senior Cardinal Deacon delivered the traditional Latin words:

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”

Shortly after, Pope Leo XIV stepped forward to greet the world and offer his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi — to the city and to the world.

The Church now begins a new era under his leadership, filled with hopes for unity, compassion, and renewal