Footage of Huge Crowd Gathering at St. Peter's Basilica Going Viral
On Thursday, white smoke billowed from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that cardinals have elected a new Pope.
The new Pope has yet to address the masses, but a massive crowd is forming at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
The new Pope will be the 267th leader of the Catholic church, and they will be elected following the death of Pope Francis, who passed at the age of 88 in March.
Over 130 cardinals met to decide on Francis' successor, and now thousands await the first look at the new Pope when they emerge to greet the crowd.
There is a huge crowd waiting for the naming of the new Pope on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
— Art Candee ???????? (@ArtCandee) May 8, 2025
So exciting! pic.twitter.com/lamKjBGTOq
"Habemus papam" - Latin for "We have a pope" - will be announced as the new Pope is formally introduced.
In the past, it's taken around an hour for the new Pope to emerge after they've been elected. The new Pope must accept the results of the cardinals' vote, choose the papal name they will be addressed by.
Finally, the new pope will be fitted with robes and will address the crowd below for a blessing. The papal conclave often lasts for multiple days before a new Pope is chosen, though in the past the process has been significantly longer.
The longest conclave on record lasted for over three years in the 13th century, when Pope Gregory X was elected. Conversely, the shortest conclave ever took less than 10 hours, when Pope Pius III was elected in 1503.
Pope Francis died on April 21 - Easter Monday - at the age of 88. He was the first Jesuit and non-European to hold the role in over 1,000 years.
"As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news," said Argentine president Javier Milei, reacting to the passing of his countryman.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, per the Vatican.
The new Pope will emerge to meet and bless a massive crowd on Thursday, and the sheer scope of the celebration is truly a sight to behold.