Photos Show Joyous Vatican Scenes as Robert Prevost Is Announced the New Pope

Conclave elects the new pope, at the Vatican

Robert Francis Prevost was chosen on Thursday, May 8, to succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. The decision was announced after 133 cardinals deliberated for two days while partaking in the papal conclave, a centuries-long tradition to elect the next Pope.

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening. The day before, black smoke had appeared from the same chimney, indicating that the first vote was inconclusive.

Soon after the successful vote took place, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti emerged on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and announced that Prevost, a Chicago native, had been selected as the new Pope. Prevost is the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He has taken the name Leo XIV.

The crowd outside the Vatican cheered loudly upon hearing the news.

Below is a selection of the best photographs from the celebration, chosen by TIME’s photo editors.

White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, on May 8, 2025.

Faithful react after white smoke appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 133 cardinals gathered on the second day of the conclave to elect a successor to late Pope Francis, at the Vatican, on May 8, 2025.

People react as white smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican, as seen from Rome, Italy, May 8, 2025.

Large crowds celebrate on St Peter's Square as they witness white smoke after a new pope is elected at the conclave on May 8, 2025.

People watch from a rooftop by St. Peter's Basilica after white smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025.

Nuns react to white smoke from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.

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