White smoke is rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling the election of a new pope after two failed attempts at election.

The Brief. A seagull has gained viral fame for perching on the Sistine Chapel chimney during papal conclaves. The bird’s presence has inspired memes and social media fascination dating back to 2013.

Black smoke has billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney after the first round of voting by the College of Cardinals, indicating a new pope has yet to be elected.

The cardinals are voting inside the Sistine Chapel, but the seagulls have the high ground. As the world watches the conclave, underway inside the Sistine Chapel, seagulls perched atop the roof ...

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel within the Apostolic Palace, the pope's official residence in Vatican City. It's also the site of the papal conclave. Here is a ...

The doors of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican were closed on Wednesday, signalling the start of a secret conclave where 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope.

Credit: Vatican Media The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media.

The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once again host the conclave. Tuesday, June 24, 2025. A service of EWTN News.

A chimney was installed Friday on the roof of the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave set to begin next Wednesday, which will decide the successor to Pope Francis.

Firefighters place the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather to elect the new pope, at the Vatican, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) ...