White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new pope.
The historic moment came on the second day of the secretive conclave, where 133 cardinals gathered to choose a successor to Pope Francis.
As tradition dictates, the identity of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church—who will guide its 1.4 billion followers worldwide—will be formally announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The announcement is expected to be made shortly, followed by the pope’s first public appearance and blessing.
Comments