Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend home sales market hit another record in April, and got there in dramatic fashion: an $84,000 jump in a single month, to $832,000, Beacon Appraisal Group said Wednesday in its monthly real estate report.

That’s well above the previous record median price of $800,000, reached last fall and in the summer of 2023.

Of the 146 Bend home sales recorded in April, over a third (34%) were for $1 million or more, appraiser Donnie Montagner said.

Bend’s housing inventory, meanwhile, climbed to a four-month supply.

“As expected for this time of year, the SFR (Bend single-family residential) marketing time fell from nearly a month in March to 23 days in April,” Montagner added.

Redmond’s housing market also experienced a short marketing time in April and an increase in the number of sales, when compared to March. April’s median sales price of $540,000 is in line with the prices seen in March to July of last year, Montagner said.

Here’s the full Beacon Report for April:

BEACON-REPORT-May-2025Download

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond announced Wednesday it will begin accepting applications for retail marijuana dispensaries on Tuesday, May 13. 

Interested applicants can learn more about the requirements for operating a dispensary in Redmond as well as obtain a Land Use Verification application, the first of a three-part application process, on the City’s website at www.redmondoregon.gov/retailmarijuana.   

Initial applications must be received by noon, Friday, May 23. The first step in the application process will be a zoning verification analysis by city staff to determine whether a proposed dispensary’s location meets the zoning regulations.  Applicants will be notified of the zoning verification no later than Friday, May 30.   

If a dispensary’s location meets the criteria, they will move to the second step, which will be a comprehensive application process. This will be qualitative rather than first-come, first-served.  It will include reviews of business plans, building design/merchandising plans, background checks and other criteria, such as applicant interviews. 

“While voters gave approval for dispensaries, Council’s goal is to make sure the City partners with owners who manage their businesses responsibly, safely, and with an intent to bring benefit to the community,” said Mayor Ed Fitch. 

As background, on April 8, the Redmond City Council took actions that implemented the ballot measures approved by voters in the November 2024 general election.  In November, 53.5 percent of voters approved allowing dispensaries in Redmond. 

A series of ordinances were adopted to establish the regulatory framework for operating marijuana businesses within the city, which outlined specific procedures for permitting and operating those businesses. These ordinances established a cap of one retail marijuana dispensary per 10,000 city residents.  With the city’s current population of around 37,000, the current cap is three. 

For more information regarding the application process, please contact Deputy City Manager, Steve Ashworth at 541-923-7750, or via email steve.ashworth@redmondoregon.gov. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Paul Lamb was outside his La Pine home, raking up pine needles, when he spotted something “weird” and interesting: a wolf, running down their street.

“The wolf came from the south, going north” along Center Drive on Tuesday afternoon, Lamb tells KTVZ News.

“Then it saw me and kind of went across, going into the neighbor’s yards into the trees, kind of like trying to avoid us.”

It’s not something Paul or Margaret Lamb have seen in their 20 years of living there.

“It was interesting,” he said Wednesday. “It didn’t seem threatening at all. It actually tried to get away.”

“I thought, ‘Well, that was weird.'”

His wife suggested that maybe it was caught on their home’s security camera – and it was.

Was it really a wolf, not a dog or hybrid? We turned to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to see.

 An ODFW wildlife biologist in Bend said “he believes it’s a wolf, based on what we know about this pack’s movements and the physical characteristics of certain wolves in the pack (e.g. color),” agency spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy told KTVZ News on Wednesday.

“This is in the known area of the Upper Deschutes Pack and good habitat for wolves (national forest nearby, deer and elk in the area),” Dennehy added.

She noted that “the wolf was seen in daylight but also appears skittish in the video (e.g. wary of people not habituated) and is moving through the area, not sticking around. We have no reports of livestock damage or public safety issues from this pack, though we’ve had other sightings in this general area.”

Dennehy also shared “some good tips for people in areas with wolves, similar to advice we give for bears, cougars and coyotes  https://dfw.state.or.us/Wolves/docs/oregon_wolf_country_flyer.pdf.”

The ODFW official also had some advice.

“Residents in the area should not leave pet food outside and keep pets indoors at night – standard advice that reduces the risk of problems with all wildlife, including coyotes and cougars. If the wolf threatens pets or livestock or displays other concerning behavior, call US Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the ODFW Bend office.”

The surprise visit occurred in an area of the state where wolves are federally listed as endangered.

Paul Lamb said others in the neighborhood also saw it, including a woman who lives across the street and stopped her car to ask if he’d seen it.

“The people who live right south of us rent a house from us,” he said. “They saw it – they actually got in a car and followed it up the street.”

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable on Thursday, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 395 acres of ignitions on the Thor Prescribed Burn Units 6 and 7, located about five miles northeast of La Pine, near Ogden Group Camp and McKay Crossing Campground.  

Ignitions are planned for Thursday and will continue Friday if conditions remain favorable, officials said. No road or trail closures are anticipated.  

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97, and the surrounding area. Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts.

Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 97 during ignitions and overnight and in the early morning hours.  

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit https://nfs.fs2c.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments from Redmond Airport, TSA, travelers)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The long-postponed REAL ID deadline has officially taken effect. 

Travelers as of Wednesday are now required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a valid passport, or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

If you don’t have the proper form of identification, the Transportation Security Administration says you can still board your flight for now – but expect delays.

“They could be directed to a separate area. They could receive additional screening. So we’re asking people, if you’re not prepared for REAL ID enforcement, arrive a little bit early to make sure you have time to make it through the security checkpoint,” said Lorie Dankers, TSA spokesperson for Oregon.

TSA officials are not expecting any extended wait times for those who have their Real ID.

Travelers at the Redmond Airport told KTVZ News Thursday that things seem to be running smoothly.

“I flew from Chicago to Salt Lake to here, and it was really easy,” traveler Sarah Bradford said.

Redmond Airport officials say only a few passengers have shown up without proper identification.

“There have been a few passengers today that were not compliant,” said Jodi Low, Redmond Airport’s administrative supervisor. “They were able to be screened by TSA and go on with their flight with no problem and no delay.”

REAL ID driver’s licenses are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner.

The Oregon Department of Transportation released this notice today:

SALEM — After years of being put on standby, the federal REAL ID enforcement date has arrived at the gate. Starting today, passengers 18 and older must show a state-issued REAL ID or a federally acceptable alternative – like a passport, permanent resident card or military ID – at the TSA security checkpoint to board a commercial U.S. flight.

Governor Kotek declared May 7 as REAL ID Day in Oregon, stating that the purpose of REAL ID is to make U.S. identity documents more consistent and secure.

According to TSA, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.Oregon is currently at 38.1% compliance, with 1.4 million REAL ID credential holders. Another 46% have a non-compliant license, permit or identification marked, “Not for REAL ID Act.”Since the beginning of 2025, Oregon DMV already has issued more than 225,000 REAL IDs, which, in recent weeks, have accounted for 76% of in-office credential issuances and led to record high traffic in the agency’s 58 field offices.

“The 2017 Oregon State Legislature authorized Oregon DMV to issue credentials that meet requirements of the federal REAL ID Act,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “In the eight years since and over the course of three enforcement extensions, our focus has been to inform and educate Oregonians about REAL ID so they can choose the ID that works best for them. Our staff has worked tirelessly, especially in the last few months leading to this date, to help as many residents as possible meet the deadline. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication to public service.”

In advance of today’s enforcement date, Oregon DMV added a significant number of REAL ID appointments and hired several REAL ID temps to assist at field offices. With busy travel months still ahead, we anticipate seeing longer lines and wait times well into the summer.

To get a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office and bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two proofs of address from two different sources) and lawful status in the U.S. All documents must be original or certified copies. You will also have to provide your Social Security number, or proof that you are not eligible for one. DMV offers an online documents guide to help you create a checklist of what you’ll need to bring.

The REAL ID option costs $30 in addition to regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. It can take up to three weeks for the REAL ID to arrive in the mail, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID you receive at DMV.

For more information, visit Oregon.gov/REALID.

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Kade Linville

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A head-on collision on the Bend Parkway early Wednesday morning sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries, including one woman who was partially ejected from her vehicle.

Bend Police responded to the crash at approximately 8:11 a.m. near the Reed Market Road overpass. Investigators determined that a black Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 61-year-old Bryan Patrick McMahon of Bend, was heading south when McMahon suffered a medical event. His vehicle veered across the center median and into the northbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a Toyota Sienna.

The 21-year-old Bend woman driving the Sienna was partially ejected in the crash and sustained life-threatening injuries. Both drivers were transported to St. Charles Bend by Bend Fire & Rescue.

McMahon has been cited for careless driving resulting in a crash.

The crash prompted the closure of all northbound lanes and one southbound lane on the Parkway for approximately three hours as Bend’s Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the scene.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police have reopened U.S. 97 following an early morning crash that happened near Reed Market Road.

Lanes on both the northbound and southbound Parkway were shut down. At the time of the crash, Bend Police asked to avoid the area while officials worked to restore access.

The road was closed for an extended period of time as the Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the scene.

When more information is released by the Bend Police Department, we will alert you here on KTVZ.com and the KTVZ News App.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council held a special meeting Tuesday night, to vote on a contract for services totaling $4,262,715.46. 

The Council approved that contract. 

Taylor Northwest LLC has been authorized to construct the Northpoint Vista Phase I Infrastructure, which will occupy the northeast part of Redmond. 

This is a project that will be a massive undertaking for the city. 

Deputy City Manager, Steve Ashworth talks about the type of infrastructure going in and why the northeast side of town was selected.  

“This $4.2 million is a project that is getting that infrastructure to set the actual project to create affordable housing. At market rate, housing will make it actually work and pencil out so we can provide more housing opportunities for our community. So, the northeast is really an opportunity for the next area of growth for us,” said Ashworth.  

He added “It’s a logical place for that next point of growth.” 

Ashworth also said, the City of Redmond will break ground on the project in the next 10 days; 80% of the work will be completed by the end of the calendar year.  

The City’s partners: Rooted Homes and Housing Works, will begin building the affordable units by next spring 2026. 

The City’s goal is to have at least 14 of those affordable units available by spring of 2027. 

Background: 

On Tuesday, May 6th, the Redmond City Council has awarded a contract of $4,262,715.46 to Taylor Northwest, LLC for the construction of Northpoint Vista Phase 1 Infrastructure. 

The Northpoint Vista Phase 1 Infrastructure Project consists of public infrastructure improvements along NE Kingwood Avenue, NE 15th Street, NE 13th Street, NE 17th Street from NE Larch Avenue to NE Maple Avenue, NE Maple Avenue, and NE Larch Avenue. 

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Dylan Anderman

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Jessie Gallaher-Trump, a longtime jump coach at Ridgeview High School, has been officially trespassed by the Redmond School District, barring her from attending school events for the remainder of this year and all of next.

Gallaher-Trump, who also works as a social worker at Redmond Proficiency Academy and coaches the Cool Running Track Club, says she was removed from her position before the 2025 track season and later prohibited from even cheering on athletes from the sidelines.

“As a result of so many things going wrong, it’s now going worse. Who thought this was going to be the solution. And it’s devastating. It’s awful,” Gallaher-Trump told KTVZ’s Problem Solvers.

Since 2022, Gallaher-Trump served as Ridgeview’s jump coach and applied twice for the head coaching job. She says she was not only passed over both times, but as a parent this season she was told to stop coaching from the sideline.

“It’s very weird to contemplate, because I’ve been the person that shows up for kids at great personal cost, no matter what. And to be treated as though I am a problem, when I dedicate everything I do to help kids overcome whatever problem they see – it’s been awful,” she said.

Gallaher-Trump is the adoptive mother of five children, all of whom competed for Ridgeview Athletics. This season, three of them were active, including her son, senior Hunter Trump.

Hunter Trump said of the school district: “You’re putting these kids in jeopardy of learning these important values and learning these amazing things that so many amazing people in the community have to offer. It’s just there’s for some reason you don’t like it. It’s impacting them more than you think. Just because you guys have some sort of personal agenda or whatever’s going on, we don’t really know because there’s no communication.”

The school district told KTVZ Gallaher-Trump violated multiple policies, including those related to visitors, equipment use, and public conduct on property, but declined to speak on camera.

Here is the link to the policies Gallaher-Trump violated: KK – Visitors to District Facilities**

KGF/EDC – Authorized Use of District Equipment and Materials

KGB – Public Conduct on District Property

KG-AR(1) – Community Use of District Facilities

In a statement, the district said:

“The former assistant track coach at Ridgeview High School, is no longer employed by the Redmond School District. Recently, at the District’s request, the individual received a trespassing notice from the Redmond Police Department restricting access to all Redmond School District properties. This individual violated policies: KK, KGB, KGF/EDC, and KG-AR(1). This action was taken out of safety and liability concerns. While it was not the District’s intention to address this matter publicly, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our students, staff, and community.”

But Gallaher-Trump maintains the district never clearly communicated what she allegedly did wrong.

“I think what’s wrong is they are so focused on — the word that comes to mind is a witch hunt. I know that’s not what it is, but it’s the word that comes to mind. They are so focused on pursuing something they have labeled as bad that they are missing out on creating what should be good.”

Athletes past and present have expressed disappointment over the treatment of Gallaher-Trump and the overall atmosphere of the program.

Senior Zowie Nunes, a three-time state champion in javelin and a Clackamas Community College commit, says she didn’t return to the team this year, in part due to how her and her former coach was treated.

“I wasn’t going to do track, but Jesse really kept me there and had my back through it all,” Nunes said. “And I had a bad coach last year, who just liked to talk some trash behind my back to her students, and it would get back to me. And then just some of the coaches would just say other things to the athletes who would come back to me with that kind of stuff. And it was just very, like deteriorating.”

“For the track program, I would like to see it more welcoming. I feel like it’s not very welcoming to some kids, and that can be hard to find the courage to go out there and try something new or continue to do something. But when you have that pressure pushed against you, it’s not nice. So, I’d like to see it be more of a community and like family-based area.”

The situation escalated further on Senior Night, when parents say they were notified just the night before about the recognition of senior athletes. Two parents stepped up to create baskets — but one student, Kiki, was left off the list entirely.

Senior parent Danielle Isais said, “They did end up over the PA calling all the seniors to the field. And as I’m watching them all line up, I see Kiki standing there whose name was not on the list. There were nine seniors, not eight, and my heart just broke for her. It was already broken for all of the seniors that they were going to be forgotten. They were going to be neglected. But when I saw Kiki out there alone with nothing. And her face. My heart just broke for her.”

Disappointed by the incident, a video senior Kiki Robles posted of her mock shotput throw — mimicking a basketball shot — quickly went viral on social media.

Robles said, “There is eight. But there’s nine of us. And then when I looked at the names, I realized I was left out. So just kind of was a little hurt because I, a team captain – I was expecting more.”

The school later responded about the parting ways of Gallaher-Trump and Senior Night:

“The well-being and success of our student-athletes are our highest priorities. While we recognize that change can be difficult, our intention has always been to provide the best possible support for our athletes.  

“Regarding the recent concern about the recognition of our seniors at our last home track and field meet, we sincerely regret that one of our athletes was unintentionally excluded from the recognition. The oversight was not intentional. Once we became aware of the error, the student was announced over the loudspeaker. All Seniors will be recognized at the end of the year banquet as originally planned,” the athletic department said.

Before the spring season there was a petition signed by hundreds of people to bring coach Jessie back to Ridgeview track. Not only seeing the support from the community, Jessie saw it from eight pole vault coaches all around Central Oregon who wrote a letter to the Redmond School District expressing their concern about the dismissal of Jessie. Her firing also caused her husband, also a former Ridgeview track coach, to resign and begin coaching elsewhere.

While Gallaher-Trump and others have lost faith in the track program and Ridgeview athletics, many others have not. KTVZ talked to multiple coaches, parents, and students that said they are happy with Ridgeview athletics and enjoy being a part of the athletic programs.

Either way, Gallaher-Trump will no longer be able to see her kids compete in sports, or even pick them up from school. She is also adopting three more kids and will not be allowed to register them into Redmond schools.

Still, for Gallaher-Trump, her family, and many others in the community, the experience has left deep wounds.

“I think that in the past couple of years, it’s sad to say, but a reason why so many people were thriving was because they felt care and community – and the care and community is what’s missing,” said Gallaher-Trump.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: adding video and interview with apartment resident)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Multiple agencies are conducting an investigation at the Stillwater Crossing Apartments in Bend, after a 20-year-old Bend man was shot and seriously wounded late Tuesday night, leaving a suspect behind bars.

Our team on the scene saw several Oregon State Forensics vans and even a trail of blood.

Bend Police responded to a report of a shooting at Stillwater Crossing Apartments on SW Atwood Drive, Just after 9 P.M. on Tuesday May 6th.

Upon arrival officers learned the victim had been driven from the area after the shooting. They located the victim in a car at Powers Road and the Bend Parkway, where they rendered aid before medics drove the victim to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries.  

Patrol officers, detectives and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team responded to the apartment complex to investigate the incident.

Officers learned that the suspected shooter, a 21-year-old man, checked into Motel 6 in the 200 block of NE Third Street shortly after the shooting. CERT operators responded to the motel before 1:00 AM, and took the man into custody without incident or injury.  

Bend Police communications manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News that “the suspect lives at the apartments, but its not yet clear if the victim lives there.

The suspect was driven to the Bend Police Department and will be moved to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering and felon in possession of a firearm.  

Police presence in the 60000 block of Atwood Drive is expected to remain at the apartment complex as the investigation continues.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the papal conclave, an event marked by history, secrecy, and sacred tradition.

WATCH: Vatican Media’s LIVE coverage of the 2025 Papal Conclave

The 2025 Papal Conclave

The Vatican officially announced the papal conclave to elect a new pope begins on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel, the Renaissance masterpiece nestled within Vatican City.

This solemn gathering of cardinals, who are some of the highest-ranking leaders in the Roman Catholic Church, represents one of the most sacred and confidential events in the religious world. While rooted in tradition, the conclave also serves as a critical moment of discernment, shaping the future direction of a faith followed by over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

What Is a Papal Conclave?

The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” The term reflects the practice of locking the cardinal electors inside a secluded space, now the Sistine Chapel, until they reach agreement on who will become the next pope. The Church has used the conclave process for over 700 years, with modern rules codified by recent popes, most recently Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

The conclave is not only about casting votes; it is a spiritual event, grounded in prayer and carried out with elaborate ceremony. Once the conclave begins, all participants are sworn to absolute secrecy, forbidden from communicating with the outside world in any form.

Who Participates in the Conclave?

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the papacy becomes vacant are eligible to vote.

These electors, typically around 120, travel to Rome from across the globe. They are a diverse group, representing the universal nature of the Church. Although any baptized male Catholic is eligible for election, in practice, the new pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals.

The Pre-Conclave Meetings

Before the conclave officially begins, cardinals attend a series of general congregations, formal meetings where they reflect on the state of the Church, hear reports, and discuss what kind of leader is needed.

These discussions are private, but they often help shape consensus around potential candidates, known informally as papabili, those considered likely to become pope.

During this period, logistical preparations are finalized, and the Sistine Chapel is inspected and secured. Specialized staff ensures that electronic jamming and counter-surveillance measures are in place to preserve the integrity of the conclave.

Oath of Secrecy

Once the conclave officially begins, the cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel, chanting hymns as they pass under Michelangelo’s famous fresco of the Last Judgment. Upon entering, each elector takes an oath of secrecy, pledging not to disclose anything that occurs within the conclave under pain of automatic excommunication.

After the doors close, they are locked from the outside, and the chapel becomes the cardinals’ exclusive space for discernment and voting.

The Voting Process

Each day of the conclave includes two voting sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon, with time for prayer and informal discussions between.

Here’s how a vote works:

Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper ballot marked with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”).

Ballots are folded and placed into a chalice, then deposited into a receptacle atop the altar.

Three cardinals designated as “scrutineers” count the votes aloud.

If no one receives a two-thirds majority, the process repeats.

Ballots from each session are burned in a special stove inside the chapel.

To let the world know what’s happening, smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney:

Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been reached.

White smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new pope has been elected.

Election and Acceptance

When a candidate receives the required number of votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals formally asks: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If the chosen cardinal accepts, he is then asked what papal name he wishes to take.

The new pope is led to the nearby Room of Tears, where he dresses in white papal vestments prepared in various sizes. The room gets its name from the emotion often experienced at that moment – grief, awe, or humility, as the weight of responsibility settles in.

Public Announcement: “Habemus Papam”

Once dressed, the new pope is introduced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A senior cardinal steps forward and proclaims: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), followed by the pope’s birth name and chosen papal name.

Moments later, the new pope offers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing – “to the city and to the world” – a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Why the Conclave Still Matters

In an age of technology and transparency, the conclave remains a powerful symbol of mystery, unity, and sacred duty. It is deliberately designed to prevent political lobbying, media pressure, or factionalism. It reminds the world and the faithful, that leadership in the Church is not merely elected; it is discerned through prayer and tradition.

With over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the choice of pope has spiritual, cultural, and even geopolitical consequences. The 2025 conclave brings together cardinals from more than 70 countries, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis himself, possibly shaping a continuation of his pastoral, globally minded legacy.

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