Vatican City, May 8 – White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new Pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church, local media reported.
The six bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out shortly after the smoke appeared, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors gathered inside the chapel had reached a consensus. The name of the new pontiff is expected to be announced shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“It’s a moment of joy, the wait is over,” Vatican News reported, as the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and applause.
The conclave began on Wednesday following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away last month, a day after Easter Sunday. In accordance with centuries-old tradition, cardinals have voted in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, with ballots burned after each session. Black smoke indicates no decision; white smoke confirms a new Pope has been chosen.
To be elected, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes. The current conclave concluded on its second day, echoing the pattern of the previous two papal elections. The identity of the new pontiff, the 267th successor to Saint Peter and spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, will be revealed in a formal announcement known as “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) in the coming moments.
