News
White Smoke from Sistine Chapel Signals Cardinal Prevost is Chosen as New Pope
On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals has chosen a new pope. The event marks the end of a brief conclave, with cardinals reaching the necessary two-thirds majority after just four ballots. The announcement was greeted with excitement as thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eagerly waiting for the new pope’s first appearance.
The newly elected pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Prevost, originally from Chicago, has deep ties to both the U.S. and Europe, with Italian, French, and Spanish ancestry. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and has spent a significant part of his career in Peru, where he became well-respected for his balanced leadership and international perspective. His election is historic, as he is the first American to be elected pope.
The first public announcement came when Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the senior cardinal deacon, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”). Pope Leo XIV then emerged, offering his first blessing and addressing the faithful gathered in the square.
The conclave that led to this election was completed in a remarkable amount of time, with the cardinals quickly reaching a decision.
The new pope’s first address touched on themes of unity, compassion, and dialogue. Additionally , he paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and urged the Church to focus on helping those in need. Also, he took a moment to speak in Spanish, acknowledging the people of Peru, a country with which he has strong ties.
Moreover, this election follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The conclave began on May 7 and ended on May 8, with the fourth ballot deciding the new pope. The tradition of signaling a new pope with white smoke dates back many centuries. The smoke is created by burning the ballots, mixed with chemicals to produce the white color, and is released through the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. It’s a moment that has become a defining part of the papal election process.
Nigerian news analyst, Mahmud Jega, has shared his opinion on the recent airstrike carried out by the United States in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians should not blame President Bola Tinubu for the incident.
Jega made this statement during a recent interview, where he said he does not believe many people will hold the Tinubu administration responsible, as Donald Trump had issued threats against Nigeria long before Tinubu’s administration.
“No, I don’t think many people will blame the Tinubu administration for what is happening now because President Donald Trump, when he first made the threats, it was clearly not in coordination with the Tinubu administration or the government of Nigeria,” Jega said.
It has been reported that the United States carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS in the northwest region of Nigeria. The order was reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared the holiday dates for the festive season.
Thursday, December 25 will be observed as Christmas Day, December 26 as Boxing Day, and Thursday, January 1 as New Year’s Day.
The declaration was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. He also added that Nigerians should celebrate the holidays in faith and pray for the nation.
Davido Fulfils ₦20 Million Promise to Carter Efe After Record-Breaking Stream
Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
