Overview

• White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at noon ET on May 8, marking the election of a new pope after just two days of voting.
• Massive crowds gathered in Vatican City celebrated the announcement, eagerly awaiting the formal Habemus Papam reveal of the new pontiff's identity.
• The conclave, involving 133 cardinal-electors, adhered to centuries-old traditions, including the burning of ballots to produce smoke signals.
• The Vatican Press Office has previously disclosed the chemical formulas used to ensure the clear visibility of black and white smoke during the conclave.
• The smoke ritual, rooted in both ancient communication methods and Catholic liturgical practices, has sparked global attention and inspired a wave of internet memes.