Conclave Elects New Pope After Pope Francis’ Death [Video]

The Conclave has elected a new Pope after Pope Francis’ death.

Newsone Nigeria reports that the Conclave, a secretive gathering of Cardinals, chose its 267th pope amid the third round of conclave voting on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

This online news platform understands that white smoke billowed from the temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 7, 2025, signaling that the 133 cardinals inside had reached the required two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

However, the identity of the new pope has not been revealed yet.

Watch the moment the new pope was chosen below…

NOW – White smoke. A new Pope has been chosen. pic.twitter.com/s6U3tQTiTz

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) May 8, 2025

The Catholic Church began the highly choreographed process of choosing its new leader on Wednesday, following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025.

Proceedings began on Wednesday, May 6, 2025, with a special Mass known as the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice—Latin for “for the election of the Roman Pontiff.” Following the Mass and a brief recess, 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, which was sealed off for the conclave. Even mobile signals were jammed to ensure strict confidentiality.

A majority of the cardinal electors came from Europe, including 17 from Italy, five from Spain, and five from France. North America was represented by 16 electors, with 10 from the United States. The College also included four cardinals from Central America, 17 from South America, 18 from Africa, 23 from Asia, and four from Oceania. Notably, Argentina—Pope Francis’s homeland—had four electors participating in the conclave.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was officially attributed to a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. He had a history of respiratory failure, pneumonia, hypertension, and Type II diabetes, which contributed to the complications following the stroke.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope when elected on March 13, 2013.

Newsone recalls that Pope Francis died at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo. His funeral was held on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, and he was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, as per his last will and testament.

His will specified that he wished to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, with only the inscription “Franciscus” on his tomb.

In his final days, Pope Francis reportedly ignored medical advice, choosing to continue his duties despite his deteriorating health. He made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing. His death led to global mourning, with tributes pouring in from world leaders, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.