Cardinals have elected Robert Prevost has been elected the new pope, making history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Prevost has been elected following the three rounds of voting in the highly secretive papal conclave. The conclave follows the death of Pope Francis. White smoke at the Vatican signaled the election of a new pope, whose identity will be revealed shortly.
A total of 133 cardinal electors from around the world gathered beneath the iconic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel to participate in one of the most confidential ballots in the modern era. Completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, no media, no contact—they will continue voting until they select the next spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
At around 5pm, a white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. This came hours after the chapel doors were closed with the traditional declaration, “Extra omnes” — meaning “Everyone out.”
This rare and historic event not only marks a turning point for the Catholic Church but also captivates global attention, intersecting religion, geopolitics, media, and culture. Once a decision is reached, white smoke will rise above the Apostolic Palace, and the newly elected pope will appear on the balcony to greet the faithful.
