Pope Leo XIV was chosen on the second day of the conclave by the College of Cardinals, with 133 electors casting their votes inside the Sistine Chapel. The decision was announced with the traditional white smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney, drawing cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church as a missionary, bishop, and most recently as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican. His dual heritage and experience in both North and South America make him a symbol of the Church’s growing global identity.

The election follows the death of Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV will now lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at a time of significant challenges and transformation, including ongoing reforms, secularization in the West, and vibrant Church growth in the Global South.

His first public appearance and papal blessing, Urbi et Orbi, was met with widespread enthusiasm and anticipation for what many see as a new era for the Vatican.

The signal came as thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chapel’s rooftop flue, waiting in hushed anticipation. As the smoke turned black, the crowd let out a mix of sighs and applause, acknowledging the start of what could be a prolonged and historic process to select the successor to Pope Francis.

A Day Rich in Ritual and Tradition

The day was marked by solemn ritual and centuries-old pageantry. The 130 cardinal-electors, cloaked in scarlet robes, processed into the Sistine Chapel in a formal ceremony, taking an oath of secrecy before being sealed inside for the conclave.

Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, the cardinals prayed for divine wisdom as they cast their first ballots in what is expected to be one of the most globally diverse and possibly most unpredictable papal elections in modern history.

What Happens Next

The cardinals will continue voting in up to two rounds each morning and afternoon until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. After each round, smoke is released from the chapel’s chimney black for no decision, white for the election of a new pope.

Should the conclave stretch on, the cardinals are allowed a day of prayer and reflection after three full days of inconclusive voting.

For now, the world watches and waits as the Roman Catholic Church prepares to usher in a new spiritual leader.

Gathered beneath Michelangelo’s iconic The Last Judgment fresco, the cardinals began casting their first ballots in what many observers are calling one of the most unpredictable conclaves in modern times. With representation from every continent, the College of Cardinals faces the complex task of choosing a spiritual leader to guide the Church’s 1.3 billion followers through a rapidly changing global landscape.

Time-Honored Ritual, Global Focus

The process follows strict centuries-old protocols. Voting takes place twice daily once in the morning and once in the afternoon. After each round, smoke rises from the chimney installed atop the Sistine Chapel: black smoke signals an inconclusive vote; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

As anticipation builds, pilgrims and tourists are gathering in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chimney for the signal that will announce the Church’s next leader.

Possible Break from Tradition

While papal conclaves are always shrouded in secrecy, this year’s is especially notable for its size and diversity. It is the largest in history, with over 130 voting members, and speculation is mounting that the next pope could hail from outside Europe a reflection of the Church’s growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Should no decision be reached within the first three days, Church law mandates a pause for prayer and reflection, allowing the cardinals time to reassess and discern before continuing.

What’s Next?

The world now watches and waits as the smoke signals mark the progress of each ballot. If consensus is reached, the newly elected pope will appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeted with the traditional announcement: “Habemus Papam” “We have a Pope.”

Until then, all eyes remain on the Vatican as history unfolds.