The Catholic Church has a new pope. The conclave of cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City voted for the new leader on Thursday, May 8, 2028. After four rounds of voting, they made their decision. White smoke signaled the outcome to the thousands of Christians waiting in St. Peter’s Square. They cheered as they learned a new pope had been chosen.
The new pope will soon appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Before that, he’ll be taken to a small room next to the Sistine Chapel to put on the white robes of the papacy. Within an hour, he’ll greet the crowd and the cardinal will announce his chosen name.
The BBC reported on the event as it unfolded.