Habemus Papam: Sistine Chapel announces new pontiff in fifth conclave vote

St. Peter’s Square, the vibrant heart of the Vatican, fell into absolute silence on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2025, as thousands of faithful lifted their eyes to the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. At 4:32 p.m. Brasília time, white smoke began to emerge, breaking the tension that had lingered since the conclave’s start. Shouts of joy echoed through the square, blending with applause and chants, as the world awaited the Vatican’s official announcement of the new leader of the Catholic Church. The moment marked the culmination of a process that mobilized 133 voting cardinals and captured the attention of 1.4 billion Catholics.

The conclave, which began on May 7, brought intense expectations following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The selection of the 267th pope occurred in the fifth vote, a pace reminiscent of the swift conclaves of 2005 and 2013, both concluded in two days. Unlike historically prolonged processes, such as the one in 1271 that lasted nearly three years, the 2025 election reflects the modern organization of the Vatican. The white smoke, a universal sign of success, followed two rounds of black smoke, indicating that earlier votes failed to secure the 89 votes needed for a two-thirds majority.

The process culminating in the election involved centuries-old rituals and complex logistics. The cardinals, housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, were cut off from the outside world, with no access to phones, internet, or any form of communication. The Sistine Chapel, closed to the public since April 28, became the epicenter of deliberations, its Michelangelo frescoes bearing witness to a historic moment.

• Opening Mass: Voting began after the Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice, presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Oath of secrecy: Each cardinal took a solemn pledge to maintain absolute confidentiality, under penalty of excommunication.
• Daily votes: Up to four ballots per day were held, with strategic pauses for prayers.
• Smoke signal: The burning of ballots, with chemical additives, produced the black or white smoke seen in St. Peter’s Square.

Intense preparations in the Vatican

The conclave’s organization mobilized an unprecedented security and logistical effort. The Swiss Guard and Vatican Gendarmerie monitored the Domus Sanctae Marthae and Sistine Chapel, while daily electronic sweeps searched for listening devices. The chapel’s windows were sealed, and signal jammers were installed to ensure the cardinals’ isolation. Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, responsible for administering the Holy See during the sede vacante, oversaw details, from assigning rooms in the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the oath-taking of staff in the Pauline Chapel on May 5.

The 133 voting cardinals, hailing from 71 countries, represented the greatest geographical diversity in Church history. The absence of two cardinals, Antonio Cañizares Llovera and John Njue, due to health issues, reduced the initial number from 135. The college’s composition, with 80% of electors appointed by Francis, fueled speculation about the continuity of his pastoral vision. Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, presided over the conclave, standing in for Dean Giovanni Battista Re, who, over 80, could not vote.

Preparations included modifications to the Sistine Chapel, such as installing benches for voting and a stove for burning ballots. The Domus Sanctae Marthae, chosen by Francis as his residence during his pontificate, was adapted with visual barriers on windows and spaces for prayer and confession. The cardinals’ menu, crafted by a nutritionist, prioritized light meals to sustain energy, avoiding heavy dishes like traditional Italian pastas.

Global expectations for the choice

The election of the new pope sparked intense activity in St. Peter’s Square, where about 45,000 faithful followed the first day of the conclave, according to Vatican Media. Large screens broadcast live images, and journalists from around the world gathered in designated areas. The extension of press credentials until May 31 reflected expectations of prolonged coverage, though the voting concluded swiftly. The presence of faithful grew on the morning of May 8, with groups of pilgrims from various nations singing hymns and prayers.

The pontiff’s selection comes amid internal Church debates, including issues like inclusion, clerical abuse, and the role of women. The college’s diversity, with strong representation from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, home to 52% of Catholics, increased the chances of a non-European pope. Names like Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, were among the speculated candidates, though no clear favorite emerged before the vote.

• Pietro Parolin: Secretary of State, seen as a continuer of Francis’ reforms.
• Pierbattista Pizzaballa: Italian with extensive Middle East experience, known for his humanitarian stance.
• Luis Antonio Tagle: Filipino cardinal, charismatic and advocate for a Church closer to the poor.
• Peter Erdő: Hungarian, backed by conservative factions but criticized for ties to authoritarian regimes.
• Matteo Zuppi: Archbishop of Bologna, linked to the progressive wing and peace initiatives.

Swift pace of voting

The 2025 conclave proceeded faster than some Vaticanists anticipated. After black smoke on the evening of May 7 and the morning of May 8, the white smoke in the fifth vote surprised observers who expected a longer process, as predicted by Cardinal Rainer Woelki due to the college’s heterogeneity. Conversely, cardinals like Louis Sako and Gregorio Rosa Chávez bet on a short election, lasting two to three days, which proved correct.

Each vote followed a meticulous ritual. Cardinals wrote their chosen name on rectangular ballots, deposited in an urn. After counting, the ballots were burned, with chemical additives ensuring distinct smoke colors. The requirement of a two-thirds majority,

or 89 votes with 133 electors, demanded internal negotiations. Informal discussions at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, especially on the night of May 7, likely helped forge a consensus.

The first day included only one vote, preceded by a meditation led by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa. On subsequent days, up to four ballots were held daily, with pauses for prayer if no consensus emerged after three days. The swift resolution reflects the efficiency of rules set by the constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, updated by Benedict XVI in 2013, allowing the conclave to start early if all electors were present.

Speculated names and betting

Speculation about the new pope dominated social media and betting platforms. In the United States, the Polymarket platform recorded $1.8 million in bets on Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the morning of May 8, reflecting his status as a favorite among Vaticanists. Other names, like Pierbattista Pizzaballa, drew attention for his unique profile. Italian but with over 30 years in the Middle East, Pizzaballa is known for humanitarian gestures, such as offering himself as a hostage to Hamas in 2023 to free Israeli children.

The candidates’ diversity mirrored the globalization of Catholicism. Asian cardinals, like Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi from Japan, suggested potential bloc voting, while the 53 European cardinals maintained regional preferences. The absence of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who opted not to participate due to judicial controversies, was noted as a gesture of respect for Francis’ wishes. The final choice remained uncertain until the official announcement, preserving the conclave’s characteristic suspense.

Leia Tambem

Itália avalia renovação de corte no imposto sobre combustíveis com gasolina a 2 euros por litro sem desconto

Alerta de tufão Jangmi atinge o Japão com rajadas de 161 km/h enquanto Europa sofre com 40°C

Via da esquerda na A1 reabre em Santa Maria da Feira após incêndio em caminhão de mercadorias

• Considered factors: Pastoral experience, fluency in Italian, and alignment with Francis’ reforms.
• Geographic influence: Growing representation of Africa and Asia in the cardinal college.
• Online betting: Platforms like Fantapapa in Italy mobilized 75,000 players.
• History of surprises: Elections like John Paul II’s in 1978 show favorites don’t always win.

Logistics and absolute secrecy

Ensuring secrecy was a priority during the conclave. Cardinals took a solemn oath in the Sistine Chapel, pledging not to disclose details of the process. Signal jammers were activated on the afternoon of May 7, and rooms at the Domus Sanctae Marthae were inspected to prevent leaks. The Master of Liturgical Celebrations, Diego Giovanni Ravelli, pronounced the “extra omnes,” ordering non-participants to leave before voting began.

Logistics involved dozens of staff, including doctors, cooks, and security personnel, who also took an oath in the Pauline Chapel. The cardinals’ transport between the Domus Sanctae Marthae and the Apostolic Palace was handled by minibuses escorted by the Swiss Guard. The Regia Hall in the Apostolic Palace served as a transition point for the procession to the Sistine Chapel, where deliberations began under Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment.”

The cardinals’ meals were carefully planned. Dishes like soups, lean meats, and vegetables were served to maintain energy without overloading. The nutritionist emphasized meals that reduced stress, avoiding heavy foods. The austere routine, combined with seclusion, created an introspective environment essential for such a significant decision.

Mobilization in St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square became a global gathering point during the conclave. Pilgrims from countries like Brazil, the Philippines, and Nigeria came together, many carrying flags and rosaries. Large screens facilitated viewing of the chimney, and the crowd reacted enthusiastically to each smoke signal. On the morning of May 8, youth groups organized prayer vigils, while entire families traveled to witness the historic moment.

Media coverage was intense, with journalists from outlets like CNN, BBC, and Globo following every step. Vatican Media estimated about 50,000 people in the square on the second day, a significant increase from the first. The anticipation for the “Habemus Papam” announcement, delivered by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, kept the faithful focused on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the new pope would offer his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.

• Square numbers: About 45,000 faithful on the first day, rising to 50,000 on the second.
• Religious activities: Masses and vigils organized by pilgrim groups.
• Global coverage: Hundreds of journalists accredited until May 31.
• Symbols of faith: Rosaries, flags, and chants marked the wait.

Tradition and modernity in the process

The 2025 conclave blended ancient traditions with modern adaptations. The constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, from 1996, updated by Benedict XVI, set the process’s rules, including the option to start early if all electors were present. The choice of May 7 as the start date, announced at the fifth General Congregation, reflected this flexibility. The seclusion in the Sistine Chapel, with its solemn rituals, contrasted with modern infrastructure like signal jammers and organized transport.

Though secret, the papal election engaged contemporary tools. Live smoke broadcasts by Vatican Media reached millions, and social media amplified anticipation. Fake videos, like one claiming white smoke before the official announcement, were quickly debunked by the press. The Vatican’s ability to manage global communication while maintaining internal secrecy highlighted the balance between tradition and innovation.

The cardinal college’s diversity, with representatives from 71 countries, underscored the Church’s universality. Francis’ appointments of cardinals from nations like Haiti, South Sudan, and Myanmar broadened the conclave’s scope, making it the most inclusive ever. The possibility of a non-European pope, though speculated, hinged on internal negotiations that remained hidden until the final announcement.

Conclave curiosities

The papal election process is filled with fascinating details. The smoke, for instance, is produced by burning ballots with specific chemical additives to ensure distinct colors. The Room of Tears, where the new pope dons vestments for the first time, is a small but symbolic space in the Sistine Chapel’s sacristy. The vestments, prepared in three sizes, reflect the uncertainty about the elected pope until the last moment.

• Historic smoke: The smoke tradition dates to the 19th century, when visual signals were crucial for public communication.
• Room of Tears: Named for the emotion the elected pope feels upon assuming the role.
• Papal vestments: Sewn by Vatican tailors, adapted for different statures.
• Latin oath: The Vatican’s official language is used in solemn rituals.
• Extra omnes: The exit order marks the start of seclusion in the Sistine Chapel.

Brazilian participation in the conclave

Brazil was represented by seven voting cardinals, all under 80, reflecting the country’s influence in global Catholicism. Sérgio da Rocha, Archbishop of Salvador, and Jaime Spengler, CNBB president, were prominent figures. Brazil’s participation, though small compared to the 133 electors, reinforced Latin America’s presence, home to 28% of the world’s Catholics. Brazilian cardinals actively engaged in the General Congregations, discussing issues like evangelization and social justice.

Brazil’s history in conclaves includes notable moments. In 1978, Cardinal Aloísio Lorscheider, then Archbishop of Fortaleza, received significant votes but declined due to health issues, paving the way for John Paul II. In 2025, Brazilian cardinals were not among the favorites, but their influence in discussions was notable, particularly on social pastoral themes, a priority for Francis.

The new pope’s election, signaled by white smoke, marked the start of a new chapter for the Church. The wait for the “Habemus Papam” captivated faithful in St. Peter’s Square and millions worldwide. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, tasked with the announcement, prepared to reveal the pontiff’s name, while the elected pope headed to the Room of Tears to don vestments. The Urbi et Orbi blessing, the new pope’s first greeting, was eagerly awaited.