New Pope Elected Amid Festive Scenes in Vatican City

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White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signaling the election of the 267th pope by a conclave of 133 cardinals, according to reports. The announcement thrilled the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, who erupted in cheers and waved flags while exclaiming, “Viva il papa!” at approximately 6:07 PM local time.

The new pope’s name will be revealed later as a senior cardinal announces “Habemus Papam!” marking the formal introduction of the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church. The election comes after the cardinals participated in a secretive and centuries-old process; previous ballots had yielded black smoke, indicating no decision had yet been reached.

The crowd at St. Peter's included pilgrims and media from across the globe. As discussions about potential candidates circulated, Cardinal Pietro Parolin emerged as a leading contender. Various assessments of the outgoing papacy suggested mixed views, with some arguing for a shift towards more progressive actions.

The election marks a significant moment for the global Catholic community, with hopes for a leader to further the outreach initiated by Pope Francis.

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