VATICAN CITY —
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday evening, signalling to the world that the Catholic Church has chosen a new leader.
The 133 cardinal electors, secluded in solemn deliberation for two days, have reached a decision. The new Pope will soon appear at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world for the first time.
Cheers erupted from the massive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square as bells began to ring. Many wept, others clutched rosaries, while some fell to their knees in prayer.
“I’ve waited here since yesterday,” said Angela Ferretti, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Florence. “When the smoke turned white, I just cried. It means hope, unity, and a new start.”
The name of the new Pontiff remains unknown for now. But Vatican officials have confirmed the announcement will come shortly from the Habemus Papam balcony—Latin for “We have a Pope.”
A Church at a Crossroads
This election comes at a time of deep reflection within the Roman Catholic Church. With over 1.3 billion faithful worldwide, the next Pope inherits both reverence and responsibility.
He must lead a Church grappling with internal divisions, declining attendance in the West, and calls for greater inclusion. At the same time, Africa, Latin America, and Asia—where Catholicism is growing—hope for a leader who understands their unique challenges.
“The Church needs healing,” said Father James O’Malley, a theology professor at the University of Oxford. “The next Pope will need to listen deeply, act wisely, and above all, bring people together.”
Who Were the Top Contenders?
While the identity remains a secret, speculation ahead of the conclave had centred around a handful of influential names.
Among them was Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana—seen by many as a strong candidate from the Global South. Also in the spotlight were Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, known for his pastoral approach and peace-building efforts, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a charismatic figure popular with younger Catholics.
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France also drew considerable attention from Vatican watchers.
Still, the College of Cardinals is known to surprise. The selection process remains shrouded in secrecy, with ballots burned after each round of voting—black smoke signalling indecision, and white confirming a result.
The World Holds Its Breath
As anticipation builds, the global Catholic community and curious onlookers alike are glued to livestreams and news updates.
From Nairobi to New York, from Rio to Rome, millions are waiting to hear the new Pope’s chosen name and the direction he hopes to take the Church.
In the words of Sister Lucia Rodríguez, watching from a convent in Madrid: “This moment isn’t just for Catholics. It touches everyone. It reminds the world of faith, leadership, and the power of humble beginnings.”
The curtain is about to rise. All eyes are now on that central window.
