Excitement swept through St. Peter’s Square as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a new pope has been chosen to succeed Pope Francis. Cheers broke out, with people rushing forward for a better view, waving flags and embracing in celebration.
The smoke marks the end of the secretive voting process by the College of Cardinals, and the next steps will unfold quickly. The newly elected pontiff has been led to the Room of Tears, where he is preparing to don the white papal vestments for the first time.
Tradition holds that within the hour, a senior cardinal will step out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim “Habemus Papam” – “We have a Pope” – and reveal the new leader’s chosen name.
All eyes are now fixed on the balcony, as the world awaits its first glimpse of the new head of the Catholic Church.
