The road to electing a new pope began on Friday, May 2, with the traditional installation of the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, the very place where the world would soon look for signs of a successor to the late, ailing Pope Francis, who passed away days earlier.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican marked the start of the sacred process.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. Over 5,000 faithful gathered, praying for wisdom as 133 Cardinal electors prepared to choose the next pope.
That afternoon, the Cardinals, all under 80, marched into the Pauline Chapel. In a solemn rite, they took their eternal oath of secrecy and entered a period of deep spiritual reflection.
The gravity of their task was clear: to fill the shoes of Pope Francis, a beloved pontiff whose health had declined over recent months.
From the Pauline Chapel, the procession moved into the Sistine Chapel, the sacred conclave venue since 1492.
Chanting the Litany of Saints and Veni Creator Spiritus, they invoked divine guidance. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivered a final meditation.
Then came the words: extra omnes, “everyone out”.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli cleared the chapel of non-electors. Its massive wooden doors were sealed and guarded by two Swiss Guards. The election had officially begun.
As the first vote was cast, thousands filled St Peter’s Square. Around the world, millions watched TV screens, hearts in suspense. A seagull perched near the chimney drew smiles and cheers from the crowd.
By 10pm, black smoke rose; the first ballot had not yielded a pope. Another black plume followed the next afternoon, signalling that no consensus had yet been reached.
Then, at 7:06pm on Thursday, May 8, it happened. White smoke billowed from the chimney. The square erupted in joy. Bells rang out across Rome. The Catholic world had a new leader.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti emerged at the balcony and uttered the words, ‘Habemus Papam — we have a pope.
The 267th pope, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis, stepped forward in white and red papal vestments. With calm and clarity, he offered his first words to the world:
“Peace be with all of you.”