Catholic cardinals have elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.
According to a report by Reuters, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter’s rang out on Thursday, signalling conclusion of the election.
The election came on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors, who secluded themselves behind the Vatican’s medieval walls on Wednesday afternoon.
A joyous crowd in St. Peter’s Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.
“Long Live the Pope!” the crowds cheered in bright sunshine. “We have a pope!” said one sign held aloft.
The identity of the pope and the name he has chosen as pontiff will be announced to the world shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The new pope will then step forward to deliver his first public address and blessing to the gathered crowds.
Sister Mona Lisa, a Brazilian nun, was in the square waving a Brazilian flag, in tears. “I am so happy we have a pope,” she said.
Pope Francis died on April 21 after ruling the 1.4-billion member Church for 12 years.
During his reign he sought to open up the staid institution to the modern world, enacting a range of reforms and allowing debate on divisive issues such as women’s ordination and better inclusion of LGBT Catholics.
