Amidst the joyous and solemn atmosphere, certain individuals couldn’t help but notice peculiar behavior around the chimney where the seagull perched.
Some people murmured about discreet hints—secret glances from Vatican officials and a sudden and thorough cleaning of the vicinity just before the smoke emerged. Rumors started circulating on the internet:
was the seagull just a delightful coincidence, or could it have been an unwitting participant in a meticulously planned event?
Some people thought that the bird’s appearance was more than just a coincidence—it could be a sign that even in the midst of long-standing customs, there might be hidden influences at work.
Whether these suspicions are based on fact or are merely playful speculation, the seagull’s spotlight has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to this historic gathering.Â
The world’s attention was primarily directed towards the Vatican this week as a new pope was selected, but it was a seagull, not a cardinal, that gained significant online attention.Â
On Thursday, May 8, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen the successor to Pope Francis, who had passed away on April 21.Â
The late pontiff passed away at 7:35 am in his residence at casa santa marta after a long and difficult struggle with double pneumonia and other related health issues. He was laid to rest on April 26 at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his desire for a simple burial with only the inscription ‘Franciscus’ to mark his final resting place.Â
Love that the seagull was the first to know. https://t.co/63FAdLaX75
— Gwynne R. ✨🌸🦋🎀🪲🌸✨ (@honeydewmoony) May 8, 2025
The conclave to choose the new pope commenced after the customary nine-day period of mourning, called the novendiale.
In accordance with the stringent regulations of the Vatican, cardinals below the age of 80 convened in a clandestine manner within the confines of the sistine chapel, residing at casa santa marta until they achieved a two-thirds majority vote. Remarkably, the decision came swiftly on the second day.
As thousands waited in line. Peter’s square for the new pope’s arrival, a different figure caught everyone’s attention—a seagull perched nonchalantly on top of the chimney beside the iconic white smoke.Â
Unbothered by the centuries-old tradition taking place below, the seagull swiftly gained popularity on social media.Â
‘I love that the seagull was the first to know,’ one person commentedÂ
Another jokingly remarked, ‘it requires the strength of a seagull to ensure that the white smoke is produced as intended!’
A third chimed in, ‘that baby seagull has been blessed,’ while others added, ‘that seagull knew exactly where to ‘aura farm” and ‘the seagull trying to stay cool while knowing she’s about to be famous in this 2024 conclave.’.Â
Despite the pope’s identity not being officially revealed, the significant circumstances surrounding his passing and the grandeur of his funeral captivated global attention.Â
Can we please give a massive round of applause to this tiny baby seagull, who decided to make an appearance mere minutes before the white smoke appeared pic.twitter.com/KbZLWB7rMs
— Zoë Crowther (@zoenora6) May 8, 2025
Among the dignitaries present were u.S. President donald trump, former president joe biden, prince william representing king charles iii, uk prime minister keir starmer, ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky, and french president emmanuel macron. Royal families from Spain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Jordan also made the journey to pay their respects.Â
After the election, everyone eagerly anticipates the new pope’s leadership and wonders if the seagull will make another memorable appearance.Â
As the world eagerly awaits the new pope’s formal introduction and the path he will chart for the catholic church, the unexpected celebrity of the seagull serves as a lighthearted reminder amid the solemnity.
While the faithful hope for unity and renewal under pope leo xiv’s leadership, this feathered observer’s viral moment has captured hearts worldwide, symbolizing that sometimes even the smallest, most unassuming presence can leave a lasting mark on history.