Vatican News

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.

A new pope has been elected, marked by white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the ringing of St. Peter's bells, following a conclave of 133 cardinal electors. Voting commenced on Wednesday afternoon, and after a series of ballots, the decision was reached at approximately 6:08 p.m. local time on Thursday. The identity of the newly elected pontiff and his chosen name will be disclosed from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he will also deliver his first public address. The conclave was necessitated by the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who led over 1.4 billion Catholics for 12 years, advocating for modernization within the Church on issues such as women's ordination and LGBT inclusion. Key candidates for succession included Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, among others. During the voting process, cardinals remained secluded, pledging confidentiality, with only the smoke signaling the outcome. Historical data suggests that the average number of ballots required to elect a pope has been about 7.2 over the last decade.

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from bronchitis, according to official sources. His papacy, which began in 2013, was characterized by a focus on mercy, social justice, and reform within the Catholic Church, as well as a commitment to addressing global issues such as climate change. Throughout his time as pope, Francis was known for his approachable demeanor and emphasis on humility, often engaging with the marginalized and advocating for the poor. His leadership sparked both admiration and controversy, as he navigated challenges within the Church and broader societal issues. Many Catholic leaders and followers have expressed deep sorrow at his passing, reflecting on his remarkable ability to connect with people across various backgrounds. As preparations begin for his funeral and a successor is considered, Francis's legacy of compassion and reform will undoubtedly influence the future of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, aged 88, is facing a serious health crisis as he battles pneumonia in both lungs. According to The Sun, the pontiff has privately expressed concerns to his aides that he may not survive this illness and is reportedly preparing for his legacy, including considerations for a successor. He was hospitalized last Friday at Rome's Gemelli hospital after a week-long fight against bronchitis that worsened significantly. Despite an earlier update from the Vatican indicating that he was in stable condition, reports on Wednesday revealed that Pope Francis had a peaceful night but is still facing challenges due to asthmatic bronchitis, which is complicating his pneumonia treatment. Doctors are treating him with cortisone and antibiotics, as his respiratory infection is attributed to a mix of viruses and bacteria. Following his admission, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope has undergone various tests, including chest X-rays, due to his complicated medical history, which includes the removal of part of his right lung in his youth. His hospitalization underscores the serious nature of his condition, with both lungs affected by the infection.

Pope Francis, 88, has developed pneumonia in both lungs while receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, according to a statement from the Vatican on Tuesday. The pontiff was initially admitted for bronchitis last week, but his condition worsened, necessitating a change in treatment due to a "polymicrobial infection" along with pre-existing respiratory issues, including bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. The Vatican reported that laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and a follow-up CT scan revealed bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional drug therapy. Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis is said to be in "good spirits," alternating between rest, prayer, and reading, while remaining connected with the public by sending messages during mass. The visitations and prayers from pilgrims and tourists continue, as many express hope for his recovery. Francis has dealt with various health issues since becoming pope in 2013 and has not ruled out the possibility of resigning should his health significantly decline. However, he stated that he does not currently have a "serious cause" to consider stepping down.

A significant discovery has emerged from the Vatican, where church historian Hubert Wolf has found 10,000 appeal letters from persecuted Jews addressed to the Pope during World War II. In an interview with Der Spiegel, Wolf revealed that this collection has altered his perception of Pope Pius XII, who has often been criticized as "Hitler's Pope" for his alleged silence on the Holocaust. These letters, which indicate the desperate pleas for help during the Nazi regime, provide critical insight into the relationship between the Vatican and the Jewish community during this dark period in history. According to Wolf, the letters display a profound sense of urgency and highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the Church at that time. This revelation comes at a time when the legacy of Pius XII is under renewed scrutiny, as historians continue to examine the actions and inactions of the Vatican during the Holocaust. The findings are poised to spark further debate regarding the role of the Church during one of humanity's most tragic episodes.

In a significant move, Pope Francis has officially dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Catholic religious community that had faced multiple allegations of sexual and psychological abuse. The community, which originated in Peru and boasted around 20,000 members at its peak, confirmed the dissolution on Monday through a statement, although no detailed reasons were provided. The Sodalitium, founded in 1971 by Luis Fernando Figari, received formal recognition as a Catholic community in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Over the past decade, it had been under investigation by both Peruvian authorities and the Vatican. A report released in 2017 highlighted that Figari and several high-ranking members had abused at least 19 minors and 10 adults. Pope Francis, who has made addressing sexual abuse in the Church a priority during his papacy, had previously expelled Figari from the community in 2024. In a rare action, the pope's decision to dissolve the community emphasizes the Church's ongoing efforts to confront scandals related to abuse. The Vatican's future approach to similar communities under scrutiny remains to be seen.