Cardinals Elect Pope Francis' Successor on Fourth Ballot as White Smoke Appears at Sistine Chapel

On May 7, 2025, cardinals from around the world convened at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to begin the papal conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis following his death. The conclave started with a final mass and the cardinals taking an oath before entering the chapel to cast their votes. The world closely followed the centuries-old ritual, watching the chimney of the Sistine Chapel for the traditional white smoke that signals the election of a new pope. On the second day of voting, May 8, white smoke emerged from the chimney after the fourth ballot, indicating that the cardinals had elected a new pope. The announcement was awaited by crowds in Rome and viewers worldwide, marking the conclusion of the conclave that began amid a complex historical context.