White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals.
The decision came on the second day of the papal conclave, following the death of Pope Francis last month.
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause and prayer as the traditional announcement, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Although the name of the new pope had not been officially revealed at the time of the announcement, Vatican officials confirmed that the decision was reached after four rounds of voting.
The new pontiff is expected to appear shortly to deliver his first blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi (“To the city and the world”).
