New Pope Chosen: Awaiting the Identity and Significance

As white smoke rises from the Vatican, the world anticipates the announcement of the new Pope following Pope Francis.

With the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, the Catholic community embraces a significant moment in history—a new pope has been selected. However, there will be a brief interlude before the world learns the identity of the successor to Pope Francis.

Historically, revelations of the new pope’s name and title follow a similar pattern; typically, a waiting period of at least an hour ensues before the chosen cardinal makes the traditional Latin announcement, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” (I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope). In this conclave, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from France presides over the election process, and the identity disclosure may be communicated by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.

As anticipation builds within the Vatican, preparations are underway in the Apostolic Palace in accordance with processes outlined in a 1996 Vatican directive. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, tasked with overseeing papal liturgical celebrations, will draft a document confirming the elected cardinal's acceptance as the new bishop of Rome and the leader of the global Catholic Church. Should the elected candidate not already hold the title of bishop, an immediate ordination will commence.

Upon confirmation, the voting cardinals must pay homage and loyalty to the newly elected Pope in a designated manner. The Pope will then proceed to the Room of Tears—an intimate space adjacent to the Sistine Chapel—where he will don the papal cassock for the first time. To accommodate all possibilities, garments in various sizes are provided along with corresponding shoes, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the new pope's stature. This critical moment has earned its name due to past popes reportedly experiencing emotional overwhelm during their first moments in the room.

The official greeting of the public will only transpire once the pope is clad in his vestments and steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first appearance. The world awaits with bated breath for this significant transition in papal leadership.