By Edith Loyola 
As the Roman afternoon progressed on the second day of deliberations, at 6:08 p.m., white smoke emerged, confirming the cardinals had reached an agreement: the Church has a successor to Francis. The signal, witnessed by thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, confirmed that a cardinal had secured the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 out of 133 votes — becoming the 267th Pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.
“Habemus Papam!” the cardinal protodeacon will soon proclaim in Latin when the decisive moment arrives.
A Conclave as Swift as the One in 2005
According to Vatican records, only four rounds of voting were needed to reach a decision, a speed comparable to the 2005 conclave that elevated Benedict XVI to the papacy. In contrast, the 2013 conclave that elected Francis required an additional ballot. This places the current process among the fastest in modern history.
What Happens After the White Smoke?
The chosen cardinal must formally accept the mission and declare the papal name under which he will lead the Church. Then, Dominique François Joseph Mamberti, the protodeacon and seasoned diplomat, will step onto the central balcony of the basilica to pronounce the canonical formula:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam.”
He will then announce both the cardinal’s birth name and the papal name he has chosen. According to protocol, it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour before the Pontiff appears before the crowd to deliver his first blessing, the Urbi et Orbi.
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The Enclosed Origin of the Word “Conclave”
In this context, it is worth remembering that the term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave — “with key” — emphasizing the closed and isolated nature of the gathering. During this time, cardinals under the age of 80 remain secluded to ensure a spiritually focused decision, free from external influences.
Expectation in Vélez-Rubio
In the small town of Vélez-Rubio, hopes are running high over the possible election of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero. The town’s mayor, Miguel Martínez-Carlón, likened the anticipation to “winning the lottery,” noting that if confirmed, it would bring a significant spiritual, touristic, and cultural boost to the area.
“If he is chosen as Pope, it will be a source of pride for Vélez-Rubio,” commented the Almerian mayor.
López Romero, a Salesian and the current Archbishop of Rabat, maintains close ties with his hometown and visits whenever his pastoral duties allow.
Tradition and Modernity in Papal Elections
The election of a Pope blends ancient rituals with global expectations. The white smoke — a visible symbol of unity — triggers a time-honored protocol that culminates in the public appearance of the new Pontiff. Meanwhile, the speed of this particular conclave demonstrates that even in times of complexity, the cardinals can achieve consensus with remarkable agility.
Finally, the world now awaits the name that will mark a new chapter in the Church’s history. As the bells of St. Peter’s ring out, the white smoke stands as the sign that ushers in this unprecedented new phase of the papacy.