White smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling that the 133 cardinals inside have elected a new pope.
The white smoke indicated that the successful candidate had secured the required two-thirds majority—at least 89 of the 133 votes cast by the College of Cardinals—marking the election of a successor to Late Pope Francis.
As anticipation swelled, the Vatican’s Swiss Guards made a ceremonial appearance, marching into the square with precision. A military band followed, ascending the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica in a display of solemn pageantry.
The name of the new pope will be revealed in a centuries-old tradition from the loggia of the basilica, when a senior cardinal emerges to declare, “Habemus Papam!”—Latin for “We have a pope!” He will then announce the new pope’s birth name in Latin, followed by the name he has chosen as his papal title.
Shortly afterward, the newly elected pontiff is expected to step out onto the balcony, appearing before the faithful for the first time and offering his inaugural blessing to the world from the same loggia that has introduced popes for generations.
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