From White Smoke to “Habemus Papam”: Inside the Secret Rituals of Electing a Pope

Updated by Anastasios Gordon Sekandi at 21:00 EAT Thursday 08 May 2025

A step-by-step journey through the sacred rites and centuries-old traditions inside the Sistine Chapel, from the moment of election to the first blessing of the new Pope.

White Smoke coming out of the chimney of Sistine Chapel. *Courtesy Photo*.

What really happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel in the final moments of a papal conclave? As the world watches for the iconic white smoke and listens for the ancient words “Habemus Papam”, an intricate ritual unfolds beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes—steeped in tradition, solemnity, and sacred responsibility.

This is a step-by-step look at the process that leads from the secret ballot to the first public appearance of the new Bishop of Rome, as announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the Loggia of Blessings at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Rite of Acceptance

According to the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, once a Cardinal receives the required majority, the election is deemed canonical.

The senior Cardinal Elector—by order and age—approaches the newly elected and, speaking in Latin on behalf of the entire College of Cardinals, asks:
“Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
If the Cardinal accepts, he is then asked:
“By what name do you wish to be called?”

The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, serving as notary and assisted by two ceremonial officers, then drafts an official document recording the Pope’s acceptance and chosen papal name.

The Conclusion of the Conclave

With the new Pope’s acceptance, the conclave officially concludes—unless he chooses to delay it. At this point, certain Vatican officials, including the Substitute for the Secretariat of State and the Secretary for Relations with States, are allowed to enter the Sistine Chapel to brief the new Pontiff on pressing matters.

White Smoke and the “Room of Tears”

Following the acceptance, all ballots and related documents are burned. The resulting white smoke billowing from the chapel chimney signals to the world that a new Pope has been elected.

As cheers erupt in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope-elect is led to the Stanza del Pianto—the “Room of Tears”—where he exchanges his red cardinal’s robes for one of the three white papal cassocks prepared in advance. Assisted by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, he takes a few moments in silent prayer and reflection.

The First Ceremony: Greeting and Te Deum

The new Pope returns to the Sistine Chapel and takes his seat. A short but meaningful ceremony follows. The senior Cardinal Bishop greets him, and the senior Cardinal Priest reads a passage from the Gospel—typically either “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” or “Feed my sheep.”

Cardinal Protodeacon Mamberti then offers a prayer for the newly chosen Pontiff.

Each Cardinal Elector, in order of precedence, comes forward to offer a gesture of obedience and unity. The ceremony concludes with the singing of the ancient hymn Te Deum, led by the Pope himself.

Thousands of believers gathered in the yard of St. Peter’s Vasilica awaiting on the new Pope. *Courtesy Photo*.

A Moment of Prayer and the Habemus Papam

Before stepping onto the world stage, the new Pope enters the Pauline Chapel to pray silently before the Blessed Sacrament—his first private act as the Supreme Pontiff.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Protodeacon Mamberti steps onto the Loggia of Blessings and proclaims:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
(“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”)

Moments later, the new Pope appears before the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, greets the faithful, and imparts his first Apostolic Blessing—Urbi et Orbi, to the city and to the world.

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here