On the morning of May 8, 2025, an image captured by live cameras at the Vatican sparked global frenzy. Around 11:25 local time, a white cloud hovered over the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, leading thousands of internet users to believe the white smoke signaling a new pope’s election had appeared. The confusion spread rapidly on social media, with posts and messages speculating about the proclamation of Pope Francis’s successor, who passed away on April 21. Anticipation for the “Habemus Papam” announcement grew, but the Vatican soon clarified that it was a natural phenomenon, not the conclave’s outcome.
The live broadcast, watched by millions on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, showed the Sistine Chapel’s chimney under a partly cloudy sky. The cloud, moved by the wind, created the illusion of white smoke, a symbol eagerly awaited by Catholics worldwide. The misunderstanding fueled heated online debates, with some faithful expressing frustration and others treating the incident with humor. The event highlighted the tension and anxiety surrounding the conclave, which began on May 7 to elect the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church.
The conclave, gathering 133 voting cardinals, follows a centuries-old ritual with secret ballots and the burning of ballots producing black or white smoke. The absence of a result in the first vote, marked by black smoke on the afternoon of May 7, heightened expectations for the second day. Below are some points explaining the moment’s context:
- Live broadcasts: Channels like Vatican News and social platforms offer real-time coverage in up to 12 languages.
- Black smoke: Sign of a vote without consensus, seen at 4:00 p.m. on May 7 (Brasília time).
- White smoke: Indicates the pope’s election, followed by an announcement in St. Peter’s Square.
- Conclave 2025: Includes cardinals from 56 countries, with seven Brazilians among the voters.
The cloud incident revealed how technology and global connectivity amplify attention on the Vatican during the conclave. While faithful crowd St. Peter’s Square, millions follow every detail remotely, ready to react to any sign.
😅 People went into full panic mode thinking a new pope had been elected — but nope, it was just a smoke glitch
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 8, 2025
White smoke — the traditional sign that a new pope has been chosen — billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, even though the cardinals were still deadlocked.
The… pic.twitter.com/s08BYZgvI1
Global reactions to the confusion
The cloud that misled internet users triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Within minutes, hashtags like #WhiteSmoke and #Conclave2025 dominated platforms like X, with users sharing screenshots of the live broadcast. Some expressed initial excitement, believing the new pope had been chosen, while others, realizing the mistake, posted memes and ironic comments. One user wrote: “The cloud almost made me shout ‘Habemus Papam’ from my couch!”
Journalists in St. Peter’s Square reported a mix of laughter and sighs among the crowd. Live coverage from media outlets like CNN Brasil and G1 highlighted the confusion as a reflection of collective anxiety. Vatican News, the Holy See’s official portal, issued a statement at 11:40 local time, confirming no smoke had been released and that voting continued. The swift clarification prevented the misunderstanding from lingering but did not stop the episode from going viral.
The reaction was not limited to the faithful. Religious communication experts noted that the incident reflects the era of instant information, where any image can spark global speculation. High-definition broadcasts, coupled with real-time coverage, turned the Sistine Chapel’s chimney into an icon watched by millions, amplifying the impact of every visual detail.
Conclave ritual
The 2025 conclave began on May 7 with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. At 4:30 p.m. local time, the 133 voting cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, where they swore an oath of secrecy. The first vote, held on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in black smoke, indicating no candidate reached the required 89 votes, two-thirds of the electoral college. The process, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, allows up to four votes daily starting on the second day.
The smoke, produced by burning ballots in a special stove, is one of the conclave’s most symbolic elements. To ensure clarity, the Vatican has used chemical compounds since 2005:
- Black smoke: Potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur.
- White smoke: Potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin resin.
- Stoves: One cast-iron, used since 1939, and another electronic, with cartridges for colors.
- Schedule: Smoke at 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (7:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Brasília time), unless an election occurs earlier.
The second day, May 8, anticipated two morning and two afternoon votes, with smoke expected at the same times. The cloud at 11:25, however, was unexpected, underscoring the need for attention to official signals.
History of confusions
Similar incidents have marked past conclaves. In 1958, burning wet straw to produce white smoke caused ambiguous emissions, confusing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. During the 2005 conclave, which elected Benedict XVI, grayish smoke tones sparked doubts, prompting the Vatican to use bells as a complementary signal. In 2013, Pope Francis’s election was marked by clear black and white smoke, thanks to new chemical compounds.
The 2025 confusion, however, is unique for its natural origin. Unlike technical errors, the cloud was a meteorological phenomenon coinciding with the expected time for white smoke. Meteorologists consulted by outlets like UOL explained that Rome’s partly cloudy sky, with light winds, favored the optical illusion. High-resolution broadcasts, capturing every nuance of the chimney, intensified the misunderstanding.
The episode also recalled the importance of official communication. In 2005, delays in confirming white smoke fueled speculation, while in 2025, Vatican News’s quick response curbed misinformation. Technological advancements, however, make each conclave more susceptible to hasty interpretations, especially in a connected world.
Expectation in St. Peter’s Square
On the morning of May 8, St. Peter’s Square was packed with about 50,000 people, according to Vatican News estimates. Faithful from various nationalities, including Brazilians, eagerly awaited any sign from the chimney. Many held flags, rosaries, and smartphones, ready to capture the historic moment. The cloud confusion sparked immediate buzz, with groups debating whether the conclave had ended.
Local journalists described an atmosphere of contained emotion. An Italian faithful, interviewed by Reuters, said: “For a moment, my heart raced. I thought we’d see the new pope on the balcony.” The disappointment did not deter the crowd, which remained in the square awaiting the official smoke. The presence of reporters in 56 languages, covering the event for outlets like G1 and CNN, underscored the conclave’s global significance.
The wait was also marked by prayer. Groups of pilgrims sang hymns, while others prayed the rosary silently. St. Peter’s Basilica, in the background, served as a backdrop for live broadcasts in 12 languages, including Brazilian Portuguese. The diversity of the faithful reflected the Catholic Church’s universality, with representatives from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Papabili and speculation
Though the conclave is secret, speculation about potential candidates dominates the media. Names mentioned include Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, known for his closeness to the faithful, and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s current Secretary of State. Others, like Hungarian Péter Erdő and Austrian Christoph Schönborn, also appear in “papabili” lists published by outlets like Folha de S.Paulo.
The voting cardinals, 80% appointed by Pope Francis, represent a diverse Church. The presence of seven Brazilians, including Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, Archbishop of Manaus, and Paulo Cezar Costa, Archbishop of Brasília, fuels hopes for a Latin American pope. However, the voting process, requiring 89 votes, is complex and unpredictable.
- Luis Antonio Tagle: 67, Archbishop of Manila, advocate for social pastoral work.
- Pietro Parolin: 70, experienced diplomat, leader in the Roman Curia.
- Péter Erdő: 72, Archbishop of Budapest, canon law expert.
- Christoph Schönborn: 80, Archbishop of Vienna, respected theologian.
- Brazilians: Seven cardinals, none considered a favorite.
Public discussions, however, do not influence the cardinals, who remain isolated in the Domus Sanctae Marthae during the conclave. The oath of secrecy ensures deliberations remain confidential.
Technology and coverage
The 2025 conclave coverage is among the most extensive in history, with video and audio broadcasts in multiple languages. Vatican News, coordinated by the Dicastery for Communication, provides daily updates on YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Vatican Radio, active since 1931, broadcasts in seven languages, with commentary in Brazilian Portuguese. High-definition camera quality allows details like the chimney to be observed in real time.
The cloud confusion highlighted the challenges of instant coverage. While broadcasts bring the faithful closer to the Vatican, they also amplify misunderstandings. A Vatican News error, posting and deleting a message about “white smoke” at 10:47 on May 8, intensified the confusion. The incident, reported by outlets like VEJA, was quickly corrected but drew criticism over official communication management.
Technology has also changed faithful behavior. Unlike past conclaves, where crowds relied on bells and direct observation, today smartphones enable millions to follow the event live. Apps like Vatican News send notifications about each smoke, keeping the public informed.
Smoke tradition
The smoke tradition dates to the 19th century, when burning ballots began signaling voting outcomes. Initially, wet straw was used for black smoke and dry straw for white, but signal ambiguity led to changes. Since 2005, the Vatican uses modern stoves with chemical cartridges ensuring distinct colors. The process is overseen by a technical team operating in the Sistine Chapel.
White smoke, followed by “Habemus Papam,” is the conclave’s climax. The cardinal protodeacon, currently Dominique Mamberti, announces the new pope’s name from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony. The ritual, including the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, draws millions to the square and screens. In 2013, Pope Francis’s election was celebrated by a 100,000-strong crowd, a number that may be surpassed in 2025.
The smoke system, though traditional, is criticized for its susceptibility to visual errors. The May 8 cloud reinforced the need for complementary signals, like St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells. Still, the Sistine Chapel’s chimney remains a powerful symbol, watched by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Profile of voters
The 133 voting cardinals represent the Catholic Church’s diversity. Aged 53 to 80, they hail from 56 countries, including 29 from Europe, 22 from Africa, and 18 from Latin America. Most were appointed by Pope Francis, potentially influencing the next pontiff’s choice. Two cardinals, one Serbian and one Spanish, are absent due to health issues, reducing the total voters.
Brazilian cardinals include:
- Leonardo Ulrich Steiner: 74, Archbishop of Manaus, Amazon defender.
- Paulo Cezar Costa: 57, Archbishop of Brasília, young and charismatic.
- João Braz de Aviz: 77, emeritus prefect, experienced in the Curia.
- Others: Four cardinals with pastoral roles in Brazil.
The voting process, conducted in silence in the Sistine Chapel, includes rituals like the Veni Creator hymn and the “Extra Omnes” proclamation, closing the space to non-voters. Choosing the pope requires consensus, which may extend the conclave for days.
Faithful’s anxiety
The wait for the new pope unites the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. In Rome, hotels near the Vatican are fully booked, and tour agencies report high demand for conclave packages. St Soup Peter’s Square, prepared for up to 100,000 people, is the epicenter of emotion. Volunteers distribute water and guides in various languages, while Italian police bolster security.
In other countries, parishes hold prayer vigils. In Brazil, churches like São Paulo’s Metropolitan Cathedral broadcast the conclave on screens, gathering faithful. The cloud confusion, widely discussed in WhatsApp groups, sparked debates about signal interpretation. A São Paulo priest, interviewed by G1, emphasized trusting Vatican’s official communications.
The new pope’s election, expected in the coming days, will mark a new chapter for the Catholic Church. Until white smoke appears, the Sistine Chapel’s chimney remains the focus of global attention, with or without clouds.
