White smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signalling that the Catholic Church has elected a new pope. The momentous signal was met with jubilation and loud cheers from the thousands of faithful and onlookers gathered in St. Peter’s Square, many of whom had waited in anticipation through the day.
The white smoke indicates that one of the 133 cardinal electors gathered in the secret conclave has secured the required two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes needed to become the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
The election comes as the Church transitions from the leadership of Pope Francis, whose resignation due to health reasons marked only the second time in modern history that a pope has stepped down.
With the smoke now confirming that a decision has been reached, attention turns to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, the senior Cardinal Deacon will soon deliver the traditional proclamation of “Habemus Papam” Latin for “We have a pope!” before introducing the new pontiff by his birth name and revealing the papal name he has chosen.
The new pope will then step forward to greet the world for the first time in his new role, offering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing "to the City and the World."
Security in and around the Vatican remains tight, with the conclave conducted under strict secrecy. All cardinal electors surrendered their electronic devices before the voting began and were cut off from outside contact, in accordance with centuries-old tradition designed to ensure the sanctity and independence of the election process.
The conclave began with the ancient Latin phrase “Extra Omnes” meaning “everyone out” declared by the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, as all non-cardinal personnel were dismissed from the chapel and the doors locked behind the electors.
The name of the newly elected pope and his first public words as leader of the Catholic Church are expected shortly.
Stay tuned as we bring you that historic moment live from Vatican City.
