VATICAN CITY – White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the papal conclave, signaling that the College of Cardinals has successfully elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The identity of the new pontiff, along with the name he has chosen, will be announced shortly.
The election followed the traditional process involving 133 cardinal-electors, all of whom have been secluded within Vatican City since the conclave began. To be chosen, a candidate needed to secure a two-thirds majority vote. The detailed voting procedure, steeped in centuries-old rituals, plays a crucial role in maintaining the secrecy and sanctity of the selection.
As the world awaits the new leader’s first appearance, attention turns to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—Loggia of the Blessings—where the pope will be introduced with the phrase “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
In 2013, Pope Francis made history with his humble debut on this very balcony, wearing plain white robes and offering a simple “Buona sera” to the crowd. He later revealed he had chosen the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and compassion.
