…. New Pope’s identity to be revealed soon
Cardinals have chosen a new pope, indicated by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. The identity of the next pontiff is expected to be revealed shortly when he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
133 red-robed cardinals from around the world cast their ballots to elect the new pope.
During the papal conclave, the cardinals were barred from leaving or having any contact with the outside world as they selected the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Rapturous applause, yelling and plenty of tears in St. Peter’s Square at the sign of white smoke.
“I’m so happy, it’s so incredible to be here at this moment,” said Roseleia Cordeiro, 42, from Brazil, weeping while embracing a group of friends. “I don’t know how to express myself but I am grateful to God for this moment.”
The smoke came and came — and kept coming — each renewed billow prompting a fresh wave of emotion from the assembled masses.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney this afternoon, announcing the election of a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as bells pealed from the towering basilica, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors who have been sequestered inside since Wednesday had reached a two-thirds majority decision on who will succeed Pope Francis.
The new pope’s identity will be revealed shortly by Dominique Mamberti, sthe senior cardinal deacon, who convention says will appear on the St. Peter’s balcony that overlooks the square and announce, “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”
Inside the Vatican’s cloistered halls, the new pontiff will be preparing to adopt his papal name — which can indicate what kind of pope he intends to be — before donning a freshly tailored white papal cassock and the ceremonial fisherman’s ring.
He will then be led through the Hall of Benedictions and out onto the balcony, known as the Loggia of the Blessings, where his identity will be revealed to the thousands gathered below and the millions more around the world who have closely watched the conclave.
Credit: NBC
