White smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel Thursday afternoon, marking the election of a new pope after 133 cardinals gathered for their conclave. Following the death of Pope Francis in April, the church was at a critical crossroads, prompting discussions about its direction under new leadership.
Anticipation filled St. Peter’s Square as onlookers braced for the announcement of the new pontiff. The identity of the elected leader was expected to be unveiled shortly. This conclave became notable as the first in 12 years, with cardinals deliberating for about 24 hours, typical of recent elections.
The new pope will face challenges, particularly regarding the church's approach to inclusion and change, which were central to Pope Francis' vision. Today’s event has drawn a significant crowd, reflecting the global importance of the role and the excitement surrounding the church’s next chapter. Many attendees are now on standby to hear the traditional announcement, known as "Habemus papam," or "We have a pope," which will also reveal the chosen name of the new leader.
As discussions continue, the new pope's first messages could set the tone for his papacy as he takes center stage, sharing initial remarks with the world.
