Vatican City: White smoke was emitted from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signifying that the cardinals in the papal conclave have successfully elected a successor to Pope Francis in the fourth vote.
According to Ansa News Agency, the 133 cardinal electors have chosen the 267th pope and new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, whose identity is expected to be revealed shortly. A two-thirds majority was required for the election, meaning the pivotal number was 89 votes.
The new pope was elected more swiftly than Pope Francis, who was chosen during the fifth ballot in 2013, also on the second day of the conclave. This marks the fifth time since 1900 that a pope has been elected after only two days.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in celebration, an estimated 15,000 faithful gathered in the square erupted in applause, anticipating the arrival of more followers. Excitement also filled the air among mourners at Francis’s tomb at St. Mary Major. News of the smoke signal spread rapidly across global news services, indicating the historic moment.
The Vatican gendarmeries and the Swiss Guards contributed to the celebratory atmosphere by playing festive music. Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after leading the Church for 12 years, will now be succeeded by the newly elected pope.
The new pontiff will choose a papal name and retreat to the sacristy of the Sistine Chapel, known as the “Room of Tears,” where new popes often express their emotions. There, he will find three white cassocks of varying sizes and don the one that fits best. After dressing, the pope will sit on the chair of the Sistine Chapel, read a passage from the Gospel of Matthew on the Petrine magisterium, and receive the homage of the cardinals.
Following these rituals, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti will appear on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce “habemus papam” (we have a pope). The newly elected pontiff will then appear on the loggia to deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing, addressing both Rome and the world.
