Rom, Vatikan 19.4.2005: Papstwahl: Weiße Rauch steigt aus dem Schornstein der Sixtinischen Kapelle auf.
Picture: © picture alliance / Pressefoto ULMER  (Archivbild)
Cardinals have made their decision

White smoke! New pope elected

Vatican City - The cardinals have decided: On Thursday afternoon, white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel. The Catholic Church now has a new leader. He is the 267th Pope in the history of the Church.

Published  on 08.05.2025 at 18:09  – 

White smoke rising over the Sistine Chapel: the Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti will shortly announce who has been elected pope on the main loggia of St Peter's Basilica with the words"Habemus papam". The cardinals made their decision on Thursday afternoon in the fourth ballot of the conclave.

The new head of the Church is the 267th pontiff in history and succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. A two-thirds majority, i.e. at least 89 votes of the 133 participating cardinals, was required for the election. The conclave began late on Wednesday afternoon. (tmg)

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