White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon, announcing that 133 cardinals have chosen a new pope.
A cheer rose from the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square as they saw the billowing smoke on giant screens. At the same moment, the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring out across the square. Many in the crowd waved their home country’s flag in celebration.
Inside the chapel, cardinals from around the world met in secret to vote. When the white smoke appeared, it meant one candidate had received the required two-thirds majority.
The new pope’s name will be announced shortly from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. A Vatican spokesman said, “We ask everyone to keep this moment sacred and join us in prayer as we prepare for the announcement.”
Once his name is revealed in Latin, the new pope will greet the crowd and deliver his first blessing. Many faith leaders and pilgrims have traveled to Rome for this event, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
The election follows the retirement of the previous pope earlier this year. The church now looks ahead to a new chapter under its newly chosen pontiff.
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