On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, announcing the election of a new pope. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, erupted in cheers as the basilica’s bells rang out. The conclave, which began on May 7, brought together 133 cardinal electors from five continents to select the successor of Francisco, who passed away on April 21. All eyes turned to the basilica’s balcony, awaiting the “Habemus Papam” announcement.
Pilgrims from nations like Mexico, the Philippines, and Nigeria filled the square, clutching rosaries and waving flags. Journalists from 56 languages broadcast the event live, capturing the global anticipation. The conclave, steeped in centuries-old traditions, maintained absolute secrecy, with cardinals isolated in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The electoral process, requiring a two-thirds majority, saw two black smoke signals before the white smoke on the second day’s third vote. Key aspects of the event include:
- Oath of secrecy: Cardinals swore silence under penalty of excommunication.
- Secret ballots: Votes were cast on handwritten slips.
- White smoke: Chemical compounds ensured a clear signal.
- Conclave leadership: Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the proceedings.
Tradition of conclave smoke
The smoke ritual, a hallmark of the conclave, blends history with modern technology. Dating back to the 19th century, the burning of ballots signals voting outcomes. Before 2005, wet straw and pitch created ambiguous smoke, often confusing onlookers. Today, potassium chlorate and lactose produce white smoke, while potassium perchlorate and anthracene yield black. Two furnaces—one traditional, one electronic—ensure the smoke is visible from St. Peter’s Square.
Introduced in 2005, the modern system uses fans and heaters to enhance the smoke’s intensity. Each pyrotechnic cartridge contains six smoke grenades, releasing clouds for seven minutes. The ritual bridges the Church’s past with today’s faithful. On May 8, 2025, white smoke appeared at 3 p.m. Brasília time, marking the conclave’s success.
Preparations for the 2025 conclave
Planning began after Francisco’s death on April 21 from a stroke and heart failure. The Sistine Chapel closed to the public on April 28 for the installation of the chimney and voting equipment. Vatican firefighters secured the visible pipe, while technicians swept for recording devices to ensure secrecy. Five general congregations, held between April 21 and May 6, addressed topics like evangelization and climate change.
On May 7, the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass gathered 180 cardinals, including non-voters, in St. Peter’s Basilica. At 11:30 a.m. Brasília time, the 133 electors entered the Sistine Chapel, where Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa led a meditation. The “Extra omnes” command sealed the conclave. Seven Brazilian cardinals participated: Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, João Braz de Aviz, Paulo Cezar Costa, Odilo Pedro Scherer, Raymundo Damasceno Assis, Geraldo Majella Agnelo, and José Freire Falcão.
How the voting works
The conclave follows the Universi Dominici Gregis constitution, established by John Paul II and updated by Benedict XVI. Up to four votes occur daily, with cardinals writing their choice on rectangular ballots. After counting, three scrutineers verify the votes, and the ballots are burned. If no candidate secures 89 votes after three days, a 24-hour pause is held. After 34 inconclusive votes, a runoff between the top two candidates begins.
In 2025, the election concluded swiftly in two days. Key stages include:
- Opening Mass: Held in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Oath: Cardinals pledged secrecy and fidelity.
- Voting: Ballots placed in a silver urn.
- Smoke signal: Announced each session’s outcome.
- Proclamation: “Habemus Papam” from the basilica’s balcony.
Reactions in St. Peter’s Square
The white smoke sparked a wave of emotion in St. Peter’s Square. Approximately 45,000 people, including families and pilgrims from diverse nations, celebrated the moment. Many followed live streams on their phones, sharing videos on social media. Flags from Mexico, Poland, and the Philippines dotted the crowd, alongside raised rosaries.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, tasked with the “Habemus Papam” announcement, was expected on the central balcony. The proclamation, anticipated 30 to 60 minutes after the smoke, would reveal the new pope’s birth name and chosen papal name. The Urbi et Orbi blessing, the pontiff’s first act, would mark the start of his ministry.
Science behind the smoke
The smoke’s production merges tradition with precision. A cast-iron furnace, used since 1939, burns ballots, while an electronic furnace adds chemical compounds. White smoke comes from potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin, creating a thick cloud. Black smoke, signaling no consensus, uses potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur.
Pyrotechnics expert Massimiliano De Sanctis, who designed the system for 2005 and 2013, explained that each cartridge, activated by a button, releases smoke for seven minutes. The process ensures visibility even in cloudy conditions, as seen on May 8, 2025, when the white smoke stood out clearly.
History of the papacy
The papacy, spanning over two millennia, has seen 266 popes up to Francisco. John Paul II, the first non-Italian in 455 years, and Francisco, the first Latin American, brought global perspectives. The 2025 conclave, with 80% of cardinals appointed by Francisco, reflects his influence. Notable facts include:
- Fisherman’s Ring: Customized for each pope, destroyed after death.
- Room of Tears: Where the elected reflects alone.
- Papal vestments: Prepared in three sizes.
- Papal names: No pope has chosen Peter, honoring St. Peter.
The shortest papacy, Urban VII’s, lasted 13 days, while Pius IX’s 31 years was the longest. The papal name, revealed during “Habemus Papam,” carries symbolic weight, with options like John Paul, Benedict, or something new.
Technical preparations
The Sistine Chapel underwent weeks of setup. The chimney was installed on April 28, and electronic sweeps ensured no surveillance devices. Cardinals, housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, followed a routine of prayers and votes. The Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass on May 7 gathered 180 cardinals, and Cantalamessa’s meditation preceded the conclave’s start.
The 2025 conclave showcased the Church’s global diversity, with electors from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. The seven Brazilian cardinals underscored Latin America’s growing role, shaped by Francisco’s pontificate.
Francisco’s legacy
Francisco, who died at 88, diversified the College of Cardinals, increasing Asian and African representation. His ten consistories appointed 80% of the 2025 electors, shaping the conclave’s direction. Issues like ecumenism, climate change, and social justice, central to his papacy, guided pre-conclave discussions.
Cardinals like Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Péter Erdő were mentioned as potential candidates, though conclaves are unpredictable. The new pope will lead 1.4 billion Catholics, addressing topics like inclusion, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue.
Key moments of the conclave
The election followed a strict timeline:
- April 21: Francisco’s death.
- April 26: Funeral in St. Peter’s Square.
- April 28: Conclave date announced.
- May 7: Conclave begins, with black smoke.
- May 8: White smoke at 3 p.m.
The destruction of Francisco’s Fisherman’s Ring and Lead Seal marked the end of his papacy. General congregations discussed priorities like evangelization and global crises, preparing cardinals for the vote.
Proclaiming the new pope
The “Habemus Papam,” delivered by Dominique Mamberti, is a highlight of the process. The cardinal announces the elected’s birth name and papal name, followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing. In 2013, Francisco’s election was announced 45 minutes after the smoke. In 2025, a similar timeframe is expected, with the new pope appearing on the basilica’s balcony.
The Room of Tears, where the elected reflects, is a place of profound emotion. Papal vestments, prepared in three sizes, ensure the pontiff is ready to face the crowd under Michelangelo’s Last Judgment fresco.
Global coverage
The election captivated the world, with Vatican News broadcasting in 56 languages. Newspapers like L’Osservatore Romano distributed special editions in St. Peter’s Square. Pilgrims from Nigeria, India, and Argentina highlighted the Church’s universality, sharing the moment online. Journalists from various nations underscored the event’s significance.
The new pope, yet to be revealed at the time of the smoke, will lead a diverse Church in a world of conflicts and ethical challenges. His chosen papal name will offer clues to his priorities, whether traditional or innovative.
