LOOK: Seagulls take centerstage during conclave
MANILA, Philippines — It seems it’s not just Catholics who are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the conclave, as even seagulls sat atop the Sistine Chapel chimney, where smoke will soon signal the election of a new pope to the watching world.
As all eyes are on the rooftop of the Sistine Chapel with millions watching all over the world, many couldn’t help but poke fun at the appearance of seagulls right beside the chapel’s chimney.
READ: White smoke: signaling a new pope down the ages
While the chimney was being live streamed throughout the globe, people online were quick to notice the birds.
Shoutout to that one seagull locked in on the Conclave proceedings pic.twitter.com/EwNdwjR19H
— Fr. Cassidy Stinson (@TheHappyPriest) May 7, 2025
the conclave is like the met gala for italian seagulls pic.twitter.com/gTjtay8Bjy
— augh (@augh99) May 7, 2025
One user wrote that the seagulls were “locked in on the Conclave proceedings,” while another humorously compared the conclave to the Met Gala…but for seagulls.
The seagulls on top of the Sistine Chapel waiting for their moment during the conclave pic.twitter.com/CYd3h4Btzm
— Sam Hauser Is Still A Weapon (@pasmitty_) May 7, 2025
I’m watching Sky News waiting for the smoke, and my cats decided that the seagull on the Sistine Chapel’s roof is the single most exciting thing ever 🤣#Conclave pic.twitter.com/rLCElU9DOL
— Snow White Shadow (@DoomWingsShadow) May 7, 2025
Are seagulls now part of Catholic lore? pic.twitter.com/8vO5fZSsKA
— 𝕵𝖊𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔𝖓 🇻🇦🏴🇲🇹 (@jeff_of_norwich) May 7, 2025
The most famous seagulls in the world pic.twitter.com/Y3lTBZBaGo
— 🇻🇦♱ 🏴 (@AngloCatholica) May 7, 2025
Other users questioned whether seagulls are now part of the Catholic meta, with some tagging the birds as the world’s most famous seagulls (though the seagulls in Finding Nemo might take offense to this).
Meanwhile, devotees and onlookers who were waiting for the chimney’s smoke in the Vatican erupted into applause every time a seagull sat atop of the Sistine Chapel right beside the chimney.
Some 133 Cardinals are currently gathered inside the chapel held behind lock doors. The conclave will then signal to the world the outcome by burning ballots in a special stove, with the chimney emitting black smoke if no one has been elected, or white smoke if there is already a new pope. /cb
