White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's rang out on Thursday, May 8, 2025, signalling that cardinals have elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.

The election came on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors, who secluded themselves behind the Vatican's medieval walls on Wednesday afternoon.

A joyous crowd in St. Peter's Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.

"Long Live the Pope," the crowds cheered in bright sunshine. "We have a pope!" said one sign held aloft.