The world turned its eyes to the Vatican this week as a new pope was elected - but it was a seagull, not a cardinal, that captured the spotlight online.
On Thursday (May 8), white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
The pontiff died at 7:35AM in his residence at Casa Santa Marta following a long battle with double pneumonia and related complications.
He was laid to rest on April 26 at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his wish for a simple burial, with the inscription: “Franciscus.”
The conclave to elect his successor began after the traditional nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale.
Following strict Vatican protocols, the cardinals, each under the age of 80, voted in secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, staying at the Casa Santa Marta dormitories until a two-thirds consensus was reached. That moment arrived swiftly, on the second day of voting.
As thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to await the appearance of the next pontiff, another figure stole the scene - perched calmly on the chimney next to the famous white smoke.
A seagull, seemingly oblivious to the centuries-old tradition unfolding beneath it, became an instant social media star.
“Love that the seagull was the first to know,” one viewer commented.
"It takes the power of a seagull to ensure that the white smoke smokes as planned!" a another quipped.
A third joked: “That baby seagull has been blessed.” A fourth chimed in: “That seagull knew the perfect spot to aura farm.”
A fifth added: "The Seagull trying to stay cool while knowing that she will be famous in this Conclave (2024) re-emergence."
While the identity of the new pope remains to be formally announced, the emotional backdrop of Pope Francis’s passing and the high-profile funeral drew global attention.
Among the world leaders in attendance were U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Prince William representing King Charles III, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Royal families from Spain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Jordan also paid tribute.
With the election concluded, attention now turns to what kind of leadership the new pope will bring—and whether that seagull plans to make another historic appearance.