New pope: History is made with Pope Leo XIV, first-ever pontiff from U.S. A seagull family hops around the Sistine Chapel chimney, moments before white smoke emerged, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

On the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney billowed into the sky, prompting waves of cheers in St. Peter's Square and signaling to the world that the 267th ...

And once the election process for a new pope begins, gatherers will turn upward each day, waiting for black or white smoke to fill the sky. Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21.

White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini ...

VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the ...

White smoke signals a new pope has been selected: First pope in history of the Catholic Church from United States will take the name Leo XIV Updated: May. 09, 2025, 7:28 a.m.

White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) ...

A line that stretches back to St. Peter and Jesus Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church.

VATICAN CITY — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic ...