• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Everything that happens after the Vatican elects a new pope

Home> News> World News

Updated 11:55 8 May 2025 GMT+1Published 11:54 8 May 2025 GMT+1

Everything that happens after the Vatican elects a new pope

The wait is on...

Ellie Kemp

Ellie Kemp

A new pontiff is yet to be elected following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

With the conclave well underway, we could soon be learning who the new Catholic Church leader is.

Pope Francis was elected after five rounds of voting back in 2013, which is considered pretty speedy nowadays. In contrast, it took 1,000 days for Pope Gregory X to be elected, between 1268 to 1271 - the longest papal conclave in history.

Advert

Some 133 cardinal electors are casting their votes this time, with the future pope seeking to secure a two-thirds majority. White smoke will billow out of the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s will ring out once a new pontiff has been chosen.

But what actually happens after that historic vote is cast?

What happens right after a pope is chosen?

Once a cardinal receives the required number of votes, he’s asked a simple but weighty question: “Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?”

Advert

If he says yes - and why wouldn't he? - he instantly becomes pope. But, of course, that's not all; he also has to pick a papal name (think Benedict, Francis, John, etc.).

That's right, Pope Francis wasn't really called Francis! His birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Moving on, the new Pope is then whisked away to the Room of Tears, which isn't exactly as dramatic as it sounds.

Pope Francis' birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Pope Francis' birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

The Pope's outfit change and first public appearance

The Room of Tears a small chamber just off the Sistine Chapel where the new Pope changes into his iconic white robes.

Advert

The name comes from the emotional reality of the moment, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who wept when elected in 1878, the Catholic News Agency reports.

Anyway, the newcomer needs to dry his tears, as seconds later, he'll be greeting the world as Pope for the first time, from the balcony over St Peter’s Square.

Next, the words 'Habemus Papam!' ('We have a Pope!') are declared.

Seconds later, the new Pope gives his first public blessing, 'Urbi et Orbi', which means 'to the city and to the world'.

Advert

White smoke signals a new pope has been elected (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
White smoke signals a new pope has been elected (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

What happens the next few days after a pope is chosen?

In the days that follow, a massive inauguration Mass is held in St Peter’s Square.

Here, the Pope receives two key symbols of his authority: the pallium (a woolen stole) and the Fisherman’s Ring.

Advert

There's no coronation anymore - Popes haven’t worn the crown since 1963.

After the fanfare, the real work begins. He takes possession of his cathedral, the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, and meets with Vatican officials.

Then, he starts reshaping the Church’s leadership and priorities.

Whether it’s tackling global crises, internal reforms, or spiritual direction, the new Pope’s path truly starts the moment the white smoke rises.

Featured Image Credit: DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

Topics: Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Religion, World News

Ellie Kemp
Ellie Kemp

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • 8 hours ago

    Experts issue urgent warning against popular new tanning 'drug' that could cause brain swelling and cancer

    The viral trend promises to give users a natural glowing tan

    News
  • 8 hours ago

    Horrifying details emerge after plane carrying 200 passengers flies with no pilot after first officer collapsed

    The plane was diverted and thankfully all 200 passengers onboard landed safely.

    News
  • 8 hours ago

    Family win $100,000 in settlement after being accused of not paying $200 bill

    Peter and Ann McGirr were slammed in a Facebook post which falsely claimed they hadn't paid their bill

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Chilling story of man who told family he was leaving with aliens and hasn't been seen since

    What happened to Granger Taylor has remained a mystery for 45 years

    News
  • The next pope has officially been named after white smoke emerges on the second day of conclave
  • Who is Robert Prevost? The first American in history to be named pope
  • How much new Pope Leo will be paid as his salary is revealed
  • People mind-blown as Pope Leo's brother reveals what the first American pope does in his spare time