White Smoke Signals the Selection of a New Pope

Despite the conclave’s quick resolution, rumors of unexpected delays and behind-the-scenes conflicts have emerged.

According to unverified reports from sources close to the Vatican, there were intense debates among factions of cardinals regarding the church’s future direction—particularly on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion, celibacy, and financial reform.

Some people noticed a long break between the morning and afternoon votes on the first day, leading to speculation that a possible front-runner might have decided to withdraw due to pressure.

While the Vatican has not provided any official statements regarding these rumors, the rapid pace of the election has heightened speculation about the events that may have taken place within the walls of the Sistine Chapel. 

The chimney of the Sistine Chapel has been emitting white smoke, indicating the election of a new pope. 

This significant event occurs following the demise of pope francis, leading cardinals from various parts of the world to journey to the vatican for the secretive and sacred procedure of selecting the next leader of the catholic church. The inner workings of the conclave are known only to those who are present within the chapel. 

In the past, papal conclaves could last for a few days or even several years, but nowadays, they usually come to an end quickly. This one was no exception. 

Out of the 133 cardinals who participated in the election, a minimum of 89 votes was required to choose a new pope. Remarkably, a decision was made on the second day of discussions.

Thrilled spectators assembled in st. Peter’s square erupted in cheers as they saw the iconic white smoke emerge, eagerly anticipating the first glimpse of the newly chosen pontiff. 

The conclave followed the death of pope francis, who passed away on april 21, 2025, at 7:35 am in his residence at casa santa marta. He had been fighting against severe pneumonia and related complications. 

His memorial service was performed at the church. Peter’s basilica on april 26, drawing global attention. Leaders from religious communities, monarchies, governments, and the general public gathered to pay their final respects. 

Among the distinguished attendees were u.S. President donald trump, former president joe biden, britain’s prince william (representing king charles), u.K. Prime minister keir starmer, ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky, and french president emmanuel macron. 

Royal figures in attendance included king felipe and queen letizia of spain, prince albert and princess charlene of monaco, king philippe and queen mathilde of belgium, king carl xvi gustaf and queen silvia of sweden, crown prince haakon and crown princess mette-marit of norway, and king abdullah ii and queen rania of jordan.

Pope Francis was laid to rest at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. In accordance with his desires, his interment was unassuming. A handwritten rogito—a brief account of his life and papacy—was placed in his coffin, along with a pouch of commemorative coins and significant church documents. 

In his last will and testament, he expressed his desire for a simple grave, devoid of any embellishments, with only the inscription ‘Franciscus’ to be present. 

He also entrusted his final journey to the virgin mary, writing: ‘I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey.’. 

The concealed procedure of selecting a new pontiff. 

Following the customary nine-day mourning period called the novendiale, the cardinals gathered for the conclave.

The process of choosing a new pope adheres to strict guidelines and is conducted in utmost secrecy. During this period, cardinals can be found residing in the casa santa marta guesthouse and casting their votes inside the sistine chapel. 

Out of the 252 cardinals in the college, only 138 were eligible to cast their votes—those who were under the age of 80. 

According to canon law, the new pope must be a baptized male, unmarried, at least 35 years old, and knowledgeable in theology, canon law, or biblical studies. While any Catholic man could theoretically be elected as pope, it is almost always the case that cardinals are chosen for this position. 

The church does not ordain women as priests, bishops, or cardinals, which are the ranks from which popes are chosen. 

According to Catholic historian Paul Collins, ‘the reality is that the patriarchy is still deeply rooted and women are discouraged from pursuing certain opportunities.’.

The Vatican defends this tradition by highlighting historical precedent, emphasizing that jesus selected twelve male apostles, who subsequently ordained other men to carry on the ministry. 

Greet the latest bishop: pope leo xiv. 

The newly elected pope is Robert Francis Prevost, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. A highly regarded American Catholic figure, he was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955. 

A murmur of curiosity in the shadows. 

Despite the quick election, rumors have surfaced of intense debates and disagreements occurring behind closed doors. According to insiders familiar with the Vatican, disagreements emerged among church leaders regarding the church’s stance on contentious matters like celibacy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and financial transparency.

The unexplained gap between ballots on the first day has sparked rumors that a preferred candidate might have suddenly dropped out of the race. The Vatican has refrained from making any official statement, but the rapid pace of the proceedings has raised many questions about the events that took place within the sacred confines of the Sistine Chapel. 

In summary, the election of pope leo xiv signifies a major turning point for the catholic church. Selected promptly on the second day of the conclave, his ascent arrives at a time of both sorrow and optimism following the demise of pope francis.

As the church progresses, pope leo xiv is anticipated to bring his expertise, leadership, and spiritual wisdom to a worldwide congregation in search of unity, stability, and revitalization. His election not only upholds the traditions of the papacy but also sets the stage for a potentially transformative period in contemporary catholicism.