The Conclave, a private gathering of Cardinals, chose its 267th pope on Thursday in the third round of voting.
The white smoke billowing from the improvised chimney above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday indicated that the 133 cardinals inside the chapel had gained the two-thirds majority required to select a new pope for the Catholic Church.
However, the identity of the new pope has not yet been revealed.
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. Officially, a stroke that caused a coma and finally an irreparable cardiocirculatory collapse was the cause of his death. The difficulties after the stroke were exacerbated by his history of respiratory failure, pneumonia, hypertension, and Type II diabetes.
He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. On March 13, 2013, he was elected as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope.
The Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the Pope’s death at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. In accordance with his final will and testament, he was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, and his burial took place on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square.
According to his will, he wanted to be laid to rest in a plain wooden coffin with the words “Franciscus” the only inscription on his tomb .Pope Francis reportedly disregarded medical advice in his final days, opting to carry out his duties in spite of his failing health. One day prior to his death, on Easter Sunday, he made an unexpected appearance at St. Peter’s Square. His passing sparked widespread grief, and world leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, paid their respects.
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