New Pope Elected: White Smoke Over Sistine Chapel

The Catholic Church has a new pope. On Thursday at 6:08 PM, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Shortly thereafter, the festive ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica announced that the cardinals gathered in the conclave had agreed on a successor to Francis, who passed away on April 21.

White Smoke: New Pope Elected in Fourth Ballot

The 133 cardinals apparently elected the new pope in the fourth ballot. The name of the new pope will soon be announced to the public from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.

The conclave for the papal election convened on Wednesday afternoon. It is thus one of the shortest in church history.

Thousands of Faithful at St. Peter's Square

Within minutes, masses of pilgrims gathered on the Via della Conciliazione, which leads to the Vatican, as well as in the surrounding alleys. Hundreds of thousands of people are possibly expected for the announcement of the new pope.

"Viva il papa," the faithful shouted with enthusiasm. The civil protection is on alert. It is ready to take measures to regulate the flow of pilgrims to the Vatican, it was said. Throughout Rome, the bells gradually rang out. The bell of St. Peter's Basilica was the first to announce the election of the new pope.

(APA/Red)

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