History has once again been written in Rome.

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signaling the election of a new pope—the 267th spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The moment came at exactly 6:07 p.m., igniting cheers, tears, and chants of “Viva il papa!” from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out moments later, confirming that a two-thirds majority—at least 89 of the 133 cardinals—had been reached on only the second day of the conclave.

Priests crossed themselves, nuns embraced in emotion, and the square filled with applause as the traditional ritual played out—an event followed closely not only by Catholics but by millions across the globe awaiting a new moral and spiritual voice.

Awaiting the Name

The name of the newly elected pope will be formally announced when the senior cardinal deacon steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declares the historic Latin phrase: “Habemus Papam!” – “We have a pope!”

He will then announce the birth name of the chosen cardinal and reveal the papal name he has selected to guide his pontificate.

The new pope is expected to make his first appearance immediately afterward, stepping onto the loggia to address the faithful and offer the Urbi et Orbi blessing—“to the city and to the world.”

A Church at a Crossroads

The new pontiff takes the helm at a time of global uncertainty and transformation, not only within the Catholic Church but across societies wrestling with inequality, migration, climate change, and war. The transition also comes amid questions about the future direction of a faith with over 1.3 billion adherents worldwide—including vibrant and growing communities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Wafric News will continue to follow this story as the Vatican prepares to unveil the identity of the man now tasked with shepherding the Church into its next chapter.


By WafricNews Desk.