Habemus Papam: Robert Francis Becomes First US Pope

White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of May 8, 2025, signaling the election of the new pope. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause as bells echoed through the Vatican. Robert Francis, an American cardinal, was announced as the new pontiff, marking the first time a leader of the Catholic Church hails from the United States.

The decision came after intense rounds of voting on the second day of the conclave. Earlier that morning, black smoke indicated that the cardinals had not yet reached a consensus. Anticipation grew as the afternoon progressed, with faithful from around the world awaiting the announcement.

The conclave, which brought together 120 cardinals, followed a meticulous process. Among the most anticipated moments were:

• The burning of ballots to produce the white smoke, made with pyrotechnics and chemicals like lactose.
• The proclamation of “Habemus papam” by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.
• The appearance of the new pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Robert Francis, now the leader of the Catholic Church, assumes the role at a time of global challenges. His background and vision for the future of the institution are already sparking curiosity among the faithful and analysts.

Profile of the new pontiff

Robert Francis, born in the United States, is known for his pastoral approach and engagement with social issues. At 67, the cardinal has a long ecclesiastical career, marked by his work in American dioceses and humanitarian causes. He was named a cardinal in 2020 by Pope Francis, standing out as a progressive figure with roots in traditional values.

Before his election, Francis was considered a favorite, though bets also pointed to names like Pietro Parolin from Italy and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, patriarch of Jerusalem. His selection reflects the cardinals’ desire for renewal while maintaining continuity with some reforms initiated by his predecessor.

The new pope studied theology in Rome and has experience in interfaith dialogue, particularly with Jewish and Muslim communities. His fluency in five languages, including Spanish and Italian, will likely facilitate communication with faithful across continents.

The conclave process

The 2025 conclave began on Wednesday, May 7, with the first vote resulting in black smoke. The lack of initial consensus was not surprising, as the conclaves of 2005 and 2013 also required multiple rounds. On the second day, the morning votes again showed no agreement, with black smoke disappointing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square.

Around 12:30 p.m. Brasília time, the third round of voting brought the long-awaited white smoke. The process, involving the burning of ballots and chemicals to ensure a clear color, was watched by cameras worldwide. The crowd, estimated at 60,000 people, celebrated the moment with chants and prayers.

The conclave followed centuries-old traditions, such as:

• The isolation of cardinals in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, without access to electronic devices.
• The burning of ballots in a special stove to produce the smoke.
• The oath of secrecy, ensuring that discussion details remain confidential.
• The proclamation of “Habemus papam” from the basilica’s balcony.

Robert Francis’s election occurred in a relatively short time compared to historical conclaves that lasted days.

Reactions in St. Peter’s Square

Emotion swept through St. Peter’s Square when the white smoke was spotted. Brazilians present described the moment as “chilling.” A group of pilgrims from São Paulo, who traveled to the Vatican specifically for the conclave, reported feeling a unique spiritual connection upon hearing the basilica’s bells.

Faithful from other nationalities also expressed joy. A Mexican family, present in the square since the conclave began, emphasized the significance of an American pope for the Church in the Americas. Meanwhile, a group of Italian nuns was seen celebrating with traditional hymns.

The Swiss Guard, responsible for Vatican security, performed a ceremonial parade shortly after the announcement. The presence of 60,000 people, according to Vatican estimates, surpassed the first day, when around 50,000 faithful followed the votes.

An American pope: what it means

Robert Francis’s election is a historic milestone. For the first time, a pope comes from the United States, a nation with significant global influence but without the deep-rooted Catholic tradition of countries like Italy or Poland. The choice may signal the Church’s openness to the Americas, where Catholicism faces challenges like the rise of evangelical churches.

Francis assumes the papacy amid global polarization and internal Church issues. Key topics likely on his agenda include:

• Promoting social justice, with a focus on issues like poverty and migration.
• Dialogue with other religions, especially in conflict zones.
• Continuing administrative reforms started by Francis.
• Addressing financial and ethical scandals that have shaken the Vatican in recent years.

Analysts suggest his nationality may bring a fresh perspective but also challenges. The Church in the United States faces debates over secularism and religious freedom, which could shape the new pontiff’s priorities.

Traditions and symbolism

The election of a new pope is steeped in centuries-old rituals. After the final vote, Robert Francis went to the “Room of Tears,” where new pontiffs reflect before accepting the role. The choice of his papal name, to be announced from the balcony, remains unconfirmed, but speculation suggests he may honor predecessors like John Paul or Francis.

The white smoke, the conclave’s ultimate symbol, has a 200-year history. Since 1914, the tradition was formalized, with chemicals added to ensure a clear color. Before that, the smoke was simply from burning ballots, which sometimes made the signal unclear for the faithful.

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The “Habemus papam” announcement was made by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, a Frenchman born in Morocco. He presented the new pope to the crowd, following a protocol that includes mentioning the birth name and chosen papal name.

Global anticipation for the announcement

Before the white smoke, anticipation dominated the Vatican. On the morning of May 8, black smoke sparked frustration but also heightened expectations for the afternoon votes. Social media buzzed with memes and speculation about possible candidates, with names like Pietro Parolin and Robert Sarah among the most mentioned.

St. Peter’s Square became a global meeting point. Pilgrims from countries like Mexico, the Philippines, and Nigeria shared stories of faith while awaiting the outcome. The presence of youth groups, many from Catholic movements, brought a sense of renewal to the conclave’s atmosphere.

Media coverage was intense. TV channels worldwide broadcast live, while journalists tracked every movement in the square. Seagulls landing on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney became a lighthearted moment, amplified by social media memes.

The Swiss Guard’s role

The Swiss Guard, responsible for the pope’s security, played a prominent role during the conclave. After the election, the guards paraded through St. Peter’s Square, drawing attention from tourists and faithful. Dressed in their colorful uniforms, they symbolize the continuity of Vatican traditions.

Founded in 1506, the Swiss Guard consists of young Swiss Catholic men who undergo rigorous selection. During the conclave, they ensured the cardinals’ safety and controlled square access, which included metal detectors and reinforced police presence.

The guards also participate in official ceremonies, such as the new pope’s blessing. Their presence reinforces the Vatican’s connection to its historical roots, dating back to the Renaissance.

Cardinals and the voting process

The 120 eligible cardinals, all under 80, participated in the conclave. Among them were prominent figures from various continents, reflecting the Church’s diversity. The vote required a two-thirds majority, which extended discussions at times.

Each cardinal placed their ballot in an urn under an oath of secrecy. After each round, the ballots were burned, producing the smoke signaling the outcome. The process’s complexity ensured only a widely supported candidate could be elected.

The participation of cardinals from Eastern churches, dressed in traditional black attire, added a unique visual element. These leaders maintain regional customs, even within the conclave, highlighting the Church’s universality.

Brazilians in the Vatican

Brazilians were present in St. Peter’s Square during the conclave. A group of pilgrims from Aparecida, in São Paulo’s interior, traveled to the Vatican for the event. They carried Brazilian flags and images of Our Lady of Aparecida, reinforcing devotion to the country’s patroness.

The National Shrine of Aparecida also celebrated the election with bell tolls, a gesture that moved faithful in Brazil. Robert Francis’s choice was seen as a sign of renewal, though some Brazilians hoped for Leonardo Steiner, archbishop of Manaus and a favored cardinal.

Brazil’s participation in the conclave, even if symbolic, underscores the country’s importance in the Catholic Church. With millions of faithful, Brazil remains one of the world’s largest Catholic hubs, despite the growth of other denominations.

Expectations for the papacy

Robert Francis assumes the papacy with a full agenda. The Church faces issues like evangelization in secularized regions, financial resource management, and responses to humanitarian crises. His interfaith dialogue experience could be a strength in conflict-ridden areas.

The choice of an American pope also raises questions about the United States’ role in the Church. The country, home to about 70 million Catholics, has growing influence in global Catholicism. Francis’s leadership may strengthen ties with local communities, especially in urban areas.

Immediate challenges include:

• Implementing administrative reforms in the Vatican.
• Addressing ethical issues, such as financial transparency.
• Promoting initiatives for youth, who represent the Church’s future.
• Continuing social programs, like those combating poverty.

The new pope is expected to travel the world in the coming months, with possible visits to Latin America and Africa, where Catholicism is rapidly growing.