The Long-Awaited White Smoke Signals New Pope’s Selection
On Thursday, the highly anticipated white smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling that 133 cardinals enclosed within had successfully chosen the successor to Pope Francis during the second day of the conclave.
Approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide now await the imminent announcement, “Habemus papam,” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, along with the revelation of the 267th pope and successor to Francis, the first Latin American pontiff.
Throngs of Faithful and Curiosity-Seekers React
Thousands of faithful and curious onlookers in the Vatican erupted into applause and cheers upon seeing the expected white smoke, accompanied by the peal of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica, as reported by AFP journalists.
All eyes are now on the balcony of the world’s largest church to learn the identity of the new pope and successor to Francis, who led the Church for 12 years with a reformist focus on the poor and migrants.
Two Days of Voting Yield a New Pope
The “princes of the Church” required two days to select the successor to Francis, who was both a reformist pontiff and a target of criticism from conservative sectors. These same groups now advocate for a more doctrinaire approach.
The new pope faces numerous internal challenges, including clergy sexual abuse, declining vocations, and the role of women, as well as external pressures like conflicts, the rise of populist governments, and climate change.
His selection emerged from the largest and most international conclave in the history of the Church, gathering 133 elector cardinals from five continents and around 70 countries in the Sistine Chapel.
Secrecy and Tradition Surround the New Pope’s Emergence
After his selection, tradition dictates that the new pope enters the Tearful Room at the rear of the Sistine Chapel to contemplate the enormity of his upcoming responsibilities. There, he dons his first white cassock among three available options, and cardinals pledge him their obedience before he presents himself on the balcony of the papal palace for his introduction.
In the coming days, he will undergo a form of papal investiture with a mass attended by political and religious leaders from around the globe. He will also take his first ride in the papamóvil through St. Peter’s Square and deliver a homily outlining his priorities.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Shapes the New Pope’s Selection
Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty, experts suggest this was a crucial factor in the voting process. Although Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals participating in the conclave, it did not guarantee a continuation of his papacy.
The main uncertainty lies in whether the cardinals chose a pastoral figure or a diplomat, a liberal or conservative, someone from the curia (the Church’s government) or an outsider from marginalized peripheries.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, called for unity within the Church during a pre-conclave mass, addressing the “difficult, complex, and turbulent” times ahead for the new pontiff.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the new pope? The identity of the new pope will be revealed once he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- What challenges does the new pope face? The new pope will confront internal issues like clergy sexual abuse, declining vocations, and the role of women, as well as external challenges such as conflicts, populist governments’ rise, and climate change.
- What is the significance of the white smoke? The white smoke indicates that the 133 cardinals have chosen a new pope.
- What happens after the white smoke? The new pope will enter the Tearful Room, don his first white cassock, and receive obedience pledges from cardinals before presenting himself on the balcony of the papal palace.
- Why is geopolitical uncertainty important in this selection? Geopolitical uncertainty was a significant factor influencing the cardinals’ voting process, reflecting their concerns about the challenges ahead for the Church.
